Phenylenediamine urotensin-II receptor antagonists and CCR-9 antagonists

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to urotensin II receptor antagonists, CCR-9 antagonists, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 10/781,442, filed Feb. 18, 2004, which application claims thepriority of provisional application No. 60/448,791, filed Feb. 20, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to urotensin II receptor antagonists,pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The integrated control of cardiovascular homeostasis is achieved througha combination of both direct neuronal control and systemic neurohormonalactivation. Although the resultant release of both contractile andrelaxant factors is normally under stringent regulation, an aberrationin this status quo can result in cardiohemodynamic dysfunction withpathological consequences.

The principal mammalian vasoactive factors that comprise thisneurohumoral axis are angiotensin-II, endothelin-1, and norepinephrine,all of which function via an interaction with specific G-protein coupledreceptors (GPCR). Urotensin-II, represents an important member of thisneurohumoral axis.

In the fish, this peptide has significant hemodynamic and endocrineactions in diverse end-organ systems and tissues:

-   -   both vascular and non-vascular (smooth muscle contraction)        including smooth muscle preparations from the gastrointestinal        tract and genitourinary tract. Both pressor and depressor        activity has been described upon systemic administration of        exogenous peptide.    -   osmoregulation effects which include the modulation of        transepithelial ion (Na⁺, Cl⁻) transport.

Although a diuretic effect has been described, such an effect ispostulated to be secondary to direct renovascular effects (elevatedGFR); urotensin-II influences prolactic secretion and exhibits alipolytic effect in fish (activating triacylglycerol lipase resulting inthe mobilization of non-esterified free fatty acids) (Person, et al.Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.A.) 1980, 77, 5021; Conlon, et al. J. Eyp.Zool. 1996, 275, 226); human Urotensin-II has been found to be anextremely potent and efficacious vasoconstrictor; exhibited sustainedcontractile activity that was extremely resistant to wash out; and haddetrimental effects on cardiac performance (myocardial contractility).Human Urotensin-II was assessed for contractile activity in therat-isolated aorta and was shown to be a very potent contractileagonist. Based on the in vitro pharmacology and in vivo hemodynamicprofile of human Urotensin-II, it plays a pathological role incardiovascular diseases characterized by excessive or abnormalvasoconstriction and myocardial dysfunction. (Ames et al. Nature 1990,401, 282.)

Compounds that antagonize the Urotensin-II receptor may be useful in thetreatment of congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease(angina, myocardial ischemia), cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension(essential and pulmonary), COPD, fibrosis (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis),restenosis, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, asthma, neurogenicinflammation and metabolic vasculopathies all of which are characterizedby abnormal vasoconstriction and/or myocardial dysfunction. Urotensinantagonists may provide end organ protection in hypersensitive cohortsin addition to lowering blood pressure.

Since Urotensin-II and GPR 14 are both expressed within the mammalianCNS (Ames et al. Nature 1999, 401, 282), they also may be useful in thetreatment of addiction, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders/Alzheimersdisease, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, pain, migraine,neuromuscular function, Parkinsons, movement disorders, sleep-wakecycle, and incentive motivation.

Functional Urotensin-II receptors are expressed in rhabdomyosarcomascell lines and therefore may have oncological indications. Urotensin mayalso be implicated in various metabolic diseases such as diabetes and invarious gastrointestinal disorders, bone, cartilage, and joint disorders(e.g., arthritis and osteoporosis); and genito-urinary disorders.Therefore, these compounds may be useful for the prevention (treatment)of gastric reflux, gastric motility and ulcers, arthritis, osteoporosisand urinary incontinence.

CCR-9, a seven transmembrane, G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor wasrecently identified as the physiologic receptor forCCL25/thymus-expressed Chemokine (TECK). CCR-9 is mainly expressed inthymocytes and T lymphocytes from the small intestine and colon.CCL25/TECK is predominantly expressed in the thymus and small intestine.Studies have shown that CCR-9 mediates chemotaxis in response toCCL25/TECK is likely to play an important role in regulating thetrafficking of developing T cells within the thymus and be critical forthe development, homeostasis, and/or function of mucosal T lymphocytes.

It has been shown that CCR-9+ lymphocytes were markedly elevated inperipheral blood lymphocytes in patients with small bowl Crohn's orceliac disease. TECK expression is altered in an inflamed small bowel,being intensely expressed in a patchy distribution in crypt epithelialcells in proximity to lymphocytic infiltrates. Neutralization of TECKinhibits homing of CD8+ T cells to the IEL (intraepithelial lymphocyte)compartment. This directly demonstrates that CCL25 and CCR-9 function inrecruiting effector lymphocytes to the small intestinal epitheliumfollowing their activation in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

Targeting CCL25/TECK and/or CCR-9 may provide a way to selectivelymodulate small-intestinal immune responses as suggested by the fact thatactivated CCR-9(+) CD8alphabeta(+) lymphocytes selectively localized tothe small-intestinal mucosa, and in vivo neutralization of CCL25/TECKreduced the ability of these cells to populate the small-intestinalepithelium. These results demonstrate an important role for chemokinesin the localization of T lymphocytes to the small-intestinal mucosa.(Svensson et al., J. Clin. Invest., 2002, 110:1113-21) CCR-9 receptorexpression on human eosinophils from peripheral blood andbronchoalveolar lavage fluid after setmental antigen challenge wasreported recently (Liu et al, J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003September;112(3):556-62). CCR-9 was also found to selectively express onT-ALL CD4+ T cells and moderately express on T-CLL CDR+ T cells.CCL25/TECK selectively induced T-ALL CD4+ T cell chamotaxis and adhesion(Qiuping et al., Cancer Res. 2003 Oct. 1;63(19):6469-77. Annels et al.,Blood. 2003 Dec. 4 [Epub ahead of print]). A recent study alsodemonstrates an increase in the expression of CCR-9 on peripheral bloodgammadelta T cells in individuals having HIV-1 infection (Poles et al.,J Virol. 2003 October; 77(19):10456-67).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect this invention provides for compounds and pharmaceuticalcompositions containing them.

In a second aspect, this invention provides for the use of thesecompounds as antagonists of urotensin II, and as inhibitors of urotensinII.

In another aspect, this invention provides for the use of thesecompounds for treating conditions associated with urotensin IIimbalance.

In yet another aspect, this invention provides for the use of thesecompounds for the treatment of congestive heart failure, stroke,ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial ischemia), cardiacarrhythmia, hypertension (essential and pulmonary), renal disease (acuteand chronic renal failure/end stage renal disease) along with peripheralvascular disease (male erectile dysfunction, diabetic retinopathy,intermittent claudication/ischemic limb disease) and ischemic/hemorrhagestroke, COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenic inflammation, migraine,metabolic vasculopathies, bone/cartilage/joint disease, arthritis andother inflammatory diseases, fibrosis (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis), sepsisatherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, addiction, schizophrenia, cognitivedisorders/Alzheimers disease, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression,parkinsons, movement disorders, sleep-wake cycle, incentive motivation,pain, neuromuscular function, diabetes, gastric reflux, gastric motilitydisorders, ulcers and genitourinary diseases.

The urotensin antagonist may be administered alone or in conjunctionwith one or more other therapeutic agents, said agents being selectedfrom the group consisting of endothelin receptor antagonists,angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, A-II receptorantagonists, vasopeptidase inhibitors, diuretics, digoxin, and dualnon-selective β-adrenoceptor and α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides compounds that areCCR-9 antagonists, the use of these compounds as CCR-9 antagonists andthe treatment of conditions associated with CCR-9 such as Crohn'sdisease, celiac disease and other forms of intestinal inflammation.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention are describedfurther in the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for compounds of Formula (I):

wherein:

-   -   R¹, R², R³ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, CN, CF₃,        arenesulfonyl, C₁₋₆ alkanesulfonyl, alkanecarbonyl, CONR⁷R⁸ and        CO₂R⁹;    -   X is NR¹⁹, CH₂ or O;    -   Y is selected from the group consisting of SO₂, CO, CH₂SO₂,        CH₂CO, NHCO, OCO and NHSO₂;    -   T and W are independently selected from the group consisting of        H, NR₄R₅, alkyl, cylcoalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aryl and halogen        provided that both T and W may not be hydrogen;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl,        aralkyl and heterocyclyl;    -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆        alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, arenesulfonyl, C₁₋₆        alkanesulfonyl,.alkanecarbonyl, CONR⁷R⁸, CO₂R⁹ and ZNR⁷R⁸ or R⁴        and R⁵ taken together with the N to which they are attached        forms a 4, 5, 6 or 7 membered ring;    -   Z is (CH₂)n where n is 0-6;    -   R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of aryl, heterocyclyl        and cycloalkyl;    -   R⁷ and R⁸ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and heterocyclyl or        taken together with the N to which they are attached form a        pyrrolidine, piperazine, piperidine or morpholine ring; and    -   R⁹ and R¹⁹ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl and aralkyl;    -   where R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ may be unsubstituted or        substituted with at least one electron donating or electron        withdrawing group; and    -   the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Preferably R₁, R₂ and R₃ are each methyl or R₁ and R₂ are methyl and R₃is hydrogen;

-   -   X is N, Y is SO₂ and R₆ is 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzene.

In another embodiment, for CCR-9 antagonist compounds of the presentinvention R⁶ of Formula I is defined as

wherein:

-   -   V is selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl and        heterocyclyl;    -   A and G are independently selected from the group consisting of        [(CR¹⁸ ₂)]_(m) and (NR¹⁷)_(n) where m is an integer from 0-3 and        m is an integer from 0-1;    -   B is selected from the group consisting of of SO₂, CO, SO and        C(R¹⁸)₂; and    -   R¹⁴, R¹⁷, and each R¹⁸ are independently selected from the group        consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclylalky, and aryl        where V, R¹⁴, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ may be unsubstituted or substituted        with at least one electron donating or electron withdrawing        group.

In another embodiment V is a compound of claim 6 wherein V is selectedfrom the 15 group consisting of thiophene, pyrrole, furan, pyrrolidine,proline, benzene, pyridine, pyrazole, pyrazine, cyclopentane,cyclohexane and cyclobutane;

-   -   R¹⁴ is aryl;    -   when A is (NR¹⁷)_(n), where n is 1, B is SO₂ and G is        [C(R¹⁸)₂]_(m) where m is O or    -   when A is [C(R¹⁸)₂]_(m) where m is 0 and G is (NR¹⁷)_(n), n is 1        and B is SO₂.

In yet a further embodiment, the CCR-9 antagonist compounds of thepresent invention have the formula

wherein:

-   -   E is selected from the group consisting of NR¹¹, O, S, C═C and        C═N where    -   R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl,        hydroxyl, alkoxy and CON(R¹²)₂;    -   each R¹⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of        aryl, alkyl, heteroalkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy and N(R¹²)₂;    -   n is an integer from 0-4;    -   each R¹² is selected from the group consisting of aryl, alkyl,        cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl;    -   either M or Q is A-B-G-R¹⁴, and the other has the structure        where T is selected from the group consisting of cyclopentyl,        pyrrolidinyl, morpholino, piperidinyl, cyclobutyl, dialkylamino        and azetidinyl;    -   W is hydrogen;    -   X is NR¹⁹, CH₂ or O;    -   Y is selected from the group consisting of SO₂, CO, CH₂SO₂,        CH₂CO, NHCO, OCO and NHSO₂;    -   A and G are independently (NR¹⁷)_(n) where n is an integer from        0-1;    -   B is selected from the group consisting of SO₂, CO, SO and        C(R¹⁸)₂;    -   R¹⁴, R¹⁷, and each R¹⁸ are independently selected from the group        consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclylalky and aryl;    -   R¹, R² and R³ are all alkyl;    -   R¹⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆        alkyl, aryl and aralkyl where    -   T, R¹, R², R³, R¹¹, R¹², R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁷, R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ may be        unsubstituted or substituted with at least one electron donating        or electron withdrawing group.

Preferably, the substituents of the CCR-9 antagonist compounds have thefollowing definitions:

-   -   T is selected from the group consisting of cyclopentyl,        pyrrolidinyl, morpholino, piperidinyl, cyclobutyl and        dialkylamino,    -   W is hydrogen;    -   X is NH;    -   Y is CO;    -   when A is (NR¹⁷)_(n), where n is 1, B is SO₂ and G is        [C(R¹⁸)₂]_(m) where m is O or when A is [C(R¹⁸)₂]_(m) where m is        0, G is (NR¹⁷)_(n) where n is 1 and B is SO₂;    -   R¹⁴, R¹⁷, and each R¹⁸ are independently selected from the group        consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclylalky and aryl;    -   R¹, R², R³ are all alkyl; and    -   T, R¹¹, R¹², R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁷, R¹⁸ may be unsubstituted or        substituted with at least one electron donating or electron        withdrawing group.

Presently preferred compounds are:

-   -   N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-methyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   2-chloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide    -   1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-urea    -   4-chloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3-phenylaminosulfonyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-benzenesulfonylamino-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   1-(4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl)-3-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-urea    -   N-(4-methyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide    -   N-(2-methyl-5-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide    -   N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide    -   2-bromo-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   2-bromo-5-methoxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   2-bromo-5-methyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   2,5-dichloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenylaminosulfonyl)-thiophene-2-carboxylic        acid    -   4-chloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   4-methoxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide    -   4-methyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide    -   4′-methoxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide    -   2,3-dimethoxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide        ‘3-chloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   2-trifluoromethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   2-hydroxy-4-methyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   4-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3′-methyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(4-phenyl-piperizin-1-yl)-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(piperidin-1-yl)-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2-methyl-5-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2-methyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   2-amino-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(4-methylpiperizin-1-yl)-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   2,3-dimethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   3,5-dichloro-N-(3-diethylamino-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(4-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-methanesulfonylamino-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(pyridin-3-ylamino)-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(4-methyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(3,4-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(4,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(3,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   N-(3-benzylamino-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide    -   N-(2,4-dichloro-6-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenylaminosulfonyl)phenyl)-acetamide    -   3,5-dichloro-N-(2-cyano-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide    -   2-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   N-benzyl-N-(3-benzylamino-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide    -   3,5-dichloro-N-(3-(1,3-dihydro-isoindolyl-2-yl)-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-2-hydroxy        benzenesulfonamide    -   2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   tert-butyl        (2-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonylamino)-6-piperidin-1-yl-benzyl)-carbamate    -   3,5-dichloro-N-(2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl)-2-hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide    -   N-(2-aminomethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide    -   1-(2-(4-benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl)-3-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-urea    -   1-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-phenyl)-3-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-urea    -   3-(anilinosulfonyl)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;    -   3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-morpholin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl-3-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]        amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(2-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-methyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   ′2-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)benzamide    -   3-{[(3-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-({[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(2-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-({[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-({[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-({[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;    -   3-{[(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;    -   N-(3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide;    -   2-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamide;    -   3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;    -   3-{[(2-bromophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   ′N-[3-(N,N-diethylamino)-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3        {[(3,5-difluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   4-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamide    -   3-{[(3,4-difluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   3-{[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   N-(3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}thiophene-2-carboxamide    -   N-(3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}thiophene-2-carboxamide        and    -   3-{[(2-fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide.

The term “alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers toC₁-C₆ straight or branched, substituted or unsubstituted saturated chainradicals derived from saturated hydrocarbons by the removal of onehydrogen atom, unless the term alkyl is preceded by a C_(x)-C_(y)designation. Representative examples of alkyl groups include methyl,ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, andtert-butyl among others.

The term “cycloalkyl” as used herein refers to an aliphatic ring systemhaving 3 to 10 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 rings, including, but not limitedto, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbornyl, and adamantly amongothers. Cycloalkyl groups can be unsubstituted or substituted with one,two or three substituents independently selected from the lower alkyl,haloalkyl, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino,hydroxyl, halo, mercapto, nitro, carboxaldehyde, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyland carboxamine.

“Cycloalkyl” includes cis or trans forms. Furthermore, the substituentsmay either be in endo or exo positions in the bridged bicyclic systems.

The term “alkoxy” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to analkyl ether radical, wherein the term “alkyl” is as defined above.Examples of suitable alkyl ether radicals include, but are not limitedto, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, iso-butoxy,sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy and the like.

The term “aryl”, “arene” or “aromatic” as used herein alone or incombination, refers to a substituted or unsubstituted carbocyclicaromatic group having about 6 to 12 carbon atoms such as phenyl,naphthyl, indenyl, indanyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl and anthracenyl; or aheterocyclic aromatic group which is an aromatic ring containing atleast one endocyclic N, O or S atom such as furyl, thienyl, pyridyl,pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, 2-pyrazolinyl,pyrazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl,1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl,pyrazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, 1,3,5-trithianyl, indolizinyl, indolyl,isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolinyl, benzo[b]furanyl,2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, 1H-indazolyl,benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, isoquinolinyl,cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, 1,8-napthridinyl,pteridinyl, carbazolyl, acridinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl,phenoxyazinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-c]triazinyl and the like. “Aralkyl” and“alkylaryl” employ the term “alkyl” as defined above. Rings may bemultiply substituted.

The term “aralkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to anaryl substituted alkyl radical, wherein the terms “alkyl” and aryl” areas defined above. Examples of suitable aralkyl radicals include, but arenot limited to, phenylmethyl, phenethyl, phenylhexyl, diphenylmethyl,pyridylmethyl, tetrazolyl methyl, furylmethyl, imidazolyl methyl,indolylmethyl, thienylpropyl and the like.

The term “heteroaryl” or “heterocyclyl” as used herein, alone or incombination, refers to a non-aromatic 3- to 10-membered ring containingat least one endocyclic N, O, or S atom. The heterocycle may beoptionally aryl-fused. The heterocycle may also optionally besubstituted with at least one substituent which is independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl,amino, nitro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, alkyl, aralkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cyano, carboxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyalkyl, oxo,arylsulfonyl and aralkylaminocarbonyl among others.

The term “halogen” or “halo” as used herein, refers to fluorine,chlorine, bromine and iodine or fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo,respectively.

The term “optical isomers” as used herein refers to compounds whichdiffer only in the stereochemistry of at least one atom, includingenantiomers, diastereomers and racemates.

Use of the above terms is meant to encompass substituted andunsubstituted moieties. Substitution may be by one or more groups suchas alcohols, ethers, esters, amides, sulfones, sulfides, hydroxyl,nitro, cyano, carboxy, amines, heteroatoms, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy,lower alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxyalkoxy, acyloxy, halogens, trifluoromethoxy,trifluoromethyl, alkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cyano, carboxy,carboalkoxy, carboxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclyl,alkylbeterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, oxo, arylsulfonyl andaralkylaminocarbonyl or any of the substituents of the precedingparagraphs or any of those substituents either attached directly or bysuitable linkers. The linkers are typically short chains of 1-3 atomscontaining any combination of —C—, —C(O)—, —N—H—, —S—, —S(O)—, —O—,—C(O)O— or —S(O)O—. Rings may be substituted multiple times.

The terms “electron-withdrawing” or “electron-donating” refer to theability of a substituent to withdraw or donate electrons relative tothat of hydrogen if hydrogen occupied the same position in the molecule.These terms are well-understood by one skilled in the art and arediscussed in Advanced Organic Chemistry by J. March, 1985, pp. 16-18,incorporated herein by reference. Electron withdrawing groups includehalo, nitro, carboxyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, carboxaldehyde,carboxyamido, aryl, quaternary ammonium, trifluoromethyl, sulfonyl andaryl lower alkanoyl among others. Electron donating groups include suchgroups as hydroxy, lower alkyl, amino, lower alkylamino, di(loweralkyl)amino, aryloxy, mercapto, lower alkylthio, lower alkylmercapto,and disulfide among others. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe aforesaid substituents may have electron donating or electronwithdrawing properties under different chemical conditions. Moreover,the present invention contemplates any combination of substituentsselected from the above-identified groups.

The most preferred electron donating or electron withdrawingsubstituents are halo, nitro, alkanoyl, carboxaldehyde, arylalkanoyl,aryloxy, carboxyl, carboxamide, cyano, sulfanyl, sulfoxide,heterocyclyl, guanidine, quaternary ammonium, lower alkenyl, loweralkynyl, sulfonium salts, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkyl, amino,lower alkylamino, di(lower alkyl)amino, amine lower alkyl mercapto,mercaptoalkyl, alkylthio, carboxy lower alkyl, arylalkoxy,alkanoylamino, alkanoyl (lower alkyl) amino, lower alkylsufonylamino,arylsulfonylamino, alkylsulfonyl (lower alkyl) amino, arysulfonyl (loweralkyl) amino, lower alkylcarboxamide, di(lower alkyl) carboxamide,sulfonamide, lower alkylsulfonamide, di(lower alkyl sulfonamide, loweralkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl and alkyldithio.

As used herein, the term “composition” is intended to encompass aproduct comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, awell as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from acombination of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

As used herein, the term “mammals” includes humans and other animals.

Compounds of the present invention may be synthesized according to thefollowing Schemes.

The compounds of the present invention can be used in the form ofpharmaceutically acceptable salts derived from inorganic or organicacids. The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” means those saltswhich are, within the scope of sound medical judgement, suitable for usein contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without unduetoxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like and arecommensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts are well-known in the art. For example, S.

M. Berge et al. describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail inJ. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66: 1 et seq. The salts can beprepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of thecompounds of the invention or separately by reacting a free basefunction with a suitable organic acid. Representative acid additionsalts include, but are not limited to acetate, adipate, alginate,citrate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate,camphorate, camphorsulfonate, dighiconate, glycerophosphate,hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, fumarate, hydrochloride,hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethansulfonate (isothionate),lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, nicotinate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate,oxalate, palmitoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, picrate,pivalate, propionate, succinate, is tartrate, thiocyanate, phosphate,glutamate, bicarbonate, p-toluenesulfonate and undecanoate. Also, thebasic nitrogen-containing groups can be quaternized with such agents aslower alkyl halides such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides,bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyland diamyl sulfates; long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyland stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides; arylalkyl halides likebenzyl and phenethyl bromides and others. Water or oil-soluble ordispersible products are thereby obtained. Examples of acids which canbe employed to form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition saltsinclude such inorganic acids as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid,sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid and such organic acids as oxalicacid, maleic acid, succinic acid and citric acid.

Basic addition salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolationand purification of compounds of this invention by reacting a carboxylicacid-containing moiety with a suitable base such as the hydroxide,carbonate or bicarbonate of a pharmaceutically acceptable metal cationor with ammonia or an organic primary, secondary or tertiary amine.Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to,cations based on alkali metals or alkaline earth metals such as lithium,sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and aluminum salts and the likeand nontoxic quaternary ammonia and amine cations including ammonium,tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, methylammonium,dimethylammonium, trimethylammonium, triethylammonium, diethylammonium,and ethylammonium among others. Other representative organic aminesuseful for the formation of base addition salts include ethylenediamine,ethanolamine, diethanolamine, piperidine, piperazine and the like.

Dosage forms for topical administration of a compound of this inventioninclude powders, sprays, ointments and inhalants. The active compound ismixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier and any needed preservatives, buffers or propellants which canbe required. Opthalmic formulations, eye ointments, powders andsolutions are also contemplated as being within the scope of thisinvention.

Actual dosage levels of active ingredients in the pharmaceuticalcompositions of this invention can be varied so as to obtain an amountof the active compound(s) which is effective to achieve the desiredtherapeutic response for a particular patient, compositions and mode ofadministration. The selected dosage level will depend upon the activityof the particular compound, the route of administration, the severity ofthe condition being treated and the condition and prior medical historyof the patient being treated. However, it is within the skill of the artto start doses of the compound at levels lower than required to achievethe desired therapeutic effect and to gradually increase the dosageuntil the desired effect is achieved.

When used in the above or other treatments, a therapeutically effectiveamount of one of the compounds of the present invention can be employedin pure form or, where such forms exist, in pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, ester or prodrug form. Alternatively, the compound can beadministered as a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound ofinterest in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients. The phrase “therapeutically effective amount” of thecompound of the invention means a sufficient is amount of the compoundto treat disorders, at a reasonable benefit/risk ratio applicable to anymedical treatment. It will be understood, however, that the total dailyusage of the compounds and compositions of the present invention will bedecided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medicaljudgment. The specific therapeutically effective dose level for anyparticular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including thedisorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; activity of thespecific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age,body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time ofadministration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of thespecific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used incombination or coincidental with the specific compound employed; andlike factors well known in the medical arts. For example, it is wellwithin the skill of the art to start doses of the compound at levelslower than required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and togradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions thatcomprise compounds of the present invention formulated together with oneor more non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Thepharmaceutical compositions can be specially formulated for oraladministration in solid or liquid form, for parenteral injection or forrectal administration.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be administered tohumans and other mammals orally, rectally, parenterally,intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, topically (as bypowders, ointments or drops), bucally or as an oral or nasal spray. Theterm “parenterally,” as used herein, refers to modes of administrationwhich include intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrastemal,subcutaneous and intraarticular injection and infusion.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a component of the present invention and aphysiologically tolerable diluent. The present invention includes one ormore compounds as described above formulated into compositions togetherwith one or more non-toxic physiologically tolerable or acceptablediluents, carriers, adjuvants or vehicles that are collectively referredto herein as diluents, for parenteral injection, for intranasaldelivery, for oral administration in solid or liquid form, for rectal ortopical administration, among others.

The compositions can also be delivered through a catheter for localdelivery at a target site, via an intracoronary stent (a tubular devicecomposed of a fine wire mesh), or via a biodegradable polymer. Thecompounds may also be complexed to ligands, such as antibodies, fortargeted delivery.

Compositions suitable for parenteral injection may comprisephysiologically acceptable, sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions,dispersions, suspensions or emulsions and sterile powders forreconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions.Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solventsor vehicles include water, ethanol, polyols (propyleneglycol,polyethyleneglycol, glycerol, and the like), vegetable oils (such asolive oil), injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate, and suitablemixtures thereof.

These compositions can also contain adjuvants such as preserving,wetting, emulsifying, and dispensing agents. Prevention of the action ofmicroorganisms can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungalagents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, and-the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, forexample sugars, sodium chloride and the like. Prolonged absorption ofthe injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use ofagents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate andgelatin.

Suspensions, in addition to the active compounds, may contain suspendingagents, as for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylenesorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminummetahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar and tragacanth, or mixtures of thesesubstances, and the like.

In some cases, in order to prolong the effect of the drug, it isdesirable to slow the absorption of the drug from subcutaneous orintramuscular injection. This can be accomplished by the use of a liquidsuspension of crystalline or amorphous material with poor watersolubility. The rate of absorption of the drug then depends upon itsrate of dissolution which, in turn, may depend upon crystal size andcrystalline form. Alternatively, delayed absorption of a parenterallyadministered drug form is accomplished by dissolving or suspending thedrug in an oil vehicle.

Injectable depot forms are made by forming microencapsule matrices ofthe drug in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide.Depending upon the ratio of drug to polymer and the nature of theparticular polymer employed, the rate of drug release can be controlled.Examples of other biodegradable polymers include poly(orthoesters) andpoly(anhydrides). Depot injectable formulations are also prepared byentrapping the drug in liposomes or microemulsions which are compatiblewith body tissues.

The injectable formulations can be sterilized, for example, byfiltration through a bacterial-retaining filter or by incorporatingsterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which canbe dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectablemedium just prior to use.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets,pills, powders and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the activecompound may be mixed with at least one inert, pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient or carrier, such as sodium citrate or dicalciumphosphate and/or a) fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose,sucrose, glucose, mannitol and silicic acid; b) binders such ascarboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone,sucrose and acacia; c) humectants such as glycerol; d) disintegratingagents such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch,alginic acid, certain silicates and sodium carbonate; e) solutionretarding agents such as paraffin; f) absorption accelerators such asquaternary ammonium compounds; g) wetting agents such as cetyl alcoholand glycerol monostearate; h) absorbents such as kaolin and bentoniteclay and i) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesiumstearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate and mixturesthereof. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage form mayalso comprise buffering agents.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers insoft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactoseor milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols andthe like.

The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills and granulescan be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings andother coatings well-known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. Theymay optionally contain opacifying agents and may also be of acomposition such that they release the active ingredient(s) only, orpreferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally,in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions which can beused include polymeric substances and waxes.

The active compounds can also be in micro-encapsulated form, ifappropriate, with one or more of the above-mentioned excipients.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceuticallyacceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. Inaddition to the active compounds, the liquid dosage forms may containinert diluents commonly used in the art such as, for example, water orother solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethylalcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzylalcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol,dimethyl formamide, oils (in particular, cottonseed, groundnut, corn,germ, olive, castor and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofurfurylalcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan andmixtures thereof.

Besides inert diluents, the oral compositions may also include adjuvantssuch as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening,flavoring and perfuming agents.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferablysuppositories which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of thisinvention with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such ascocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax which are solidat room temperature but liquid at body temperature and therefore melt inthe rectum or vaginal cavity and release the active compound.

Compounds of the present invention can also be administered in the formof liposomes. As is known in the art, liposomes are generally derivedfrom phospholipids or other lipid substances. Liposomes are formed bymono- or multi-lamellar hydrated liquid crystals which are dispersed inan aqueous medium. Any non-toxic, physiologically acceptable andmetabolizable lipid capable of forming liposomes can be used. Thepresent compositions in liposome form can contain, in addition to acompound of the present invention, stabilizers, preservatives,excipients and the like. The preferred lipids are natural and syntheticphospholipids and phosphatidyl cholines (lecithins) used separately ortogether.

Methods to form liposomes are known in the art. See, for example,Prescott, Ed., Methods in Cell Biology, Volume XV, Academic Press, NewYork, N.Y. (1976), p.33 et seq.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs” as used hereinrepresents those prodrugs of the compounds of the present inventionwhich are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for usein contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without unduetoxicity, irritation, allergic response, and the like, commensurate witha reasonable benefit/risk ratio, and effective for their intended use,as well as the zwitterionic forms where possible, of the compounds ofthe invention. Prodrugs of the present invention may be rapidlytransformed in vivo to the parent compound of the above formula, forexample, by hydrolysis in blood. A thorough discussion is provided in T.Higuchi and V. Stella, Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems, V. 14 of theA.C.S. Symposium Series, and in Edward B. Roche, ed., BioreversibleCarriers in Drug Design, American Pharmaceutical Association andPergamon Press (1987), hereby incorporated by reference.

Compounds of the present invention that are formed by in vivo conversionof a different compound that was administered to a mammal are intendedto be included within the scope of the present invention.

Compounds of the present invention may exist as stereoisomers whereinasymmetric or chiral centers are present. These stereoisomers are “R” or“S” depending on the configuration of substituents around the chiralcarbon atom. The present invention contemplates various stereoisomersand mixtures thereof. Stereoisomers include enantiomers anddiastereomers, and mixtures of enantiomers or iastereomers. Individualstereoisomers of compounds of the present invention may be preparedsynthetically from commercially available starting materials whichcontain asymmetric or chiral centers or by preparation of racemicmixtures followed by resolution well-known to those of ordinary skill inthe art. These methods of resolution are exemplified by (1) attachmentof a mixture of enantiomers to a chiral auxiliary, separation of theresulting mixture of diastereomers by recrystallization orchromatography and liberation of the optically pure product from theauxiliary or (2) direct separation of the mixture of optical enantiomerson chiral chromatographic columns.

The compounds of the invention can exist in unsolvated as well assolvated forms, including hydrated forms, such as hemi-hydrates. Ingeneral, the solvated forms, with pharmaceutically acceptable solventssuch as water and ethanol among others are equivalent to the unsolvatedforms for the purposes of the invention.

Preferably the composition is in unit dosage form, for example a tablet,capsule or metered aerosol dose, so that the patient may administer tothemselves a single dose.

Each dosage unit for oral administration contains suitably from 0.0001mg to 500 mg/Kg, and preferably from 1 mg to 100 mg/Kg, and each dosageunit for parenteral administration contains suitably from 0.1 mg to 100mg, of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof calculated as the free acid. Each dosage unit for intranasaladministration contains suitably 1-400 mg and preferably 10 to 200 mgper person. A topical formulation contains suitably 0.01 to 1.0% of acompound of Formula (I).

The daily dosage regimen for oral administration is suitably about 0.01mg/Kg to 40 mg/Kg, of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof calculated as the free acid. The daily dosageregimen for parenteral administration is suitably about 0.01 mg/Kg to 40mg/Kg, of a compound of the Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof calculated as the free acid. The daily dosage regimen forintranasal administration and oral inhalation is suitably about 10 to500 mg/person. The active ingredient may be administered from 1 to 6times a day, sufficient to exhibit the desired activity.

These compounds may be used for the treatment of congestive heartfailure, stroke, ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial ischemia),cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension (essential and pulmonary), renaldisease (acute and chronic renal failure/end stage renal disease) alongwith peripheral vascular disease (male erectile dysfunction, diabeticretinopathy, intermittent claudication/ischemic limb disease) andischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenicinflammation, migraine, metabolic vasculopathies, bone/cartilage/jointdisease, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, fibrosis (e.g.pulmonary fibrosis), sepsis, atheroscloerosis, dyslipidemia, addiction,schizophrenia, cognitice disorders/Alzheimers disease, impulsivity,anxiety, stress, depression, pain, neuromuscular function, diabetes,gastric reflux, gastric motility disorders, ulcers and genitourinarydiseases.

The urotension antagonist may be administered alone or in conjunctionwith one or more other therapeutic agents, said agents being selectedfrom the group consisting of endothelin receptor antagonists,angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, A-II receptorantagonists, vasopeptidase inhibitors, duuretics, digoxin, and dualnon-selective β-adrenoceptor and α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists.

The urotension related biological activity of the compounds of Formula(I) is demonstrated by the following tests:

-   -   1) Inhibition of Human [¹²⁵I]-Urotensin-II Binding to        Urotensin-II Receptor Binding of human [¹²⁵I]-urotensin-II to        human urotensin-II receptor (UTR) was done using cell membranes        from either TE-671 rhabdomyosarcoma cells or CHO cells stably        expressing recombinant UTR, in a homogeneous Scintillation        Proximity Assay (SPA).

The UTR cells membranes were pre-coupled overnight at 4° C. to WGA-PVTbeads (Amersham RPNQ0001) at a ratio of 5-25 μg membrane to 0.5 mgbeads/assay. Assay was performed in 96-well microtiter Optiplates(Packard 6005290) by mixing coupled beads and 0.1 nM [¹²⁵I U-II (2200Ci/mmol, NEN NEX379), in a total volume of 100 μl 20 mM HEPES, 5 mMMgCl₂, pH 7.4. Test compounds were diluted in DMSO and were put in theassay at a final concentration of 1% DMSO. Incubation was done for 3hours at 37 ° C. followed by reading in a TopCount scintillationmicroplate reader. Nonspecific binding was determined by adding 100 nMunlabeled human U-II (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, 071-05) to the assaymixture. Analysis of the assay was performed using nonlinear leastsquare fitting.

1) Inhibition of Human Urotensin-II-induced Ca²+ Mobilization in UTRCells:

The function of urotensin-II was determined by measuring ligand-inducedmobilization of intracellular Ca²⁺ in a FlexStation scanning fluorometer(Molecular Devices). UTR cells were plated overnight at 50,000cells/well in 96-well black/clear plates (Costar brand, Fisher07-200-588). Cells were labeled with fluo-4AM dye (Molecular Probes,F-14201) in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), 20 mM HEPES, 25 mMprobenecid, pH 7.4, and then were washed with buffer. During the assay,cells were continuously monitored in the FlexStation and exposed to testcompounds at a final concentration of 0.1% DMSO, followed by theaddition of 1 nM human U-II. Fluorescence was read every 2 seconds for 2minutes. The excitation and emission wavelengths used were 485 nm and525 nm. Inhibition of the urotensin-II-induced signal was calculatedusing a nonlinear least square fitting program. Activity for thecompounds of this invention is IC₅₀>0.5 mm (Example 30 IC₅₀=10 μM.

The CCR-9 antagonist activity of the compounds of the present inventionis shown by the following assay:

CCR9 FLIPR/FlexStation Assay Protocol

Calcium assay in FLIPR/FlexStation determines inhibitors of TECK inducedcalcium mobilization in CCR9-Flp-CHO cells that stably over expresshuman CCR-9 receptor. CCR-9-Flp-CHO cells are seeded at 20,000cells/well in a clear bottom, black wall 96-well plate (Greiner) one dayprior to assay. Cells are grown in a tissue culture incubator at 37° C.with 5% CO₂ for 18 to 24 hours.

Wash buffer and dye loading buffer are prepared fresh each time theassay is performed. Wash buffer is prepared according to the followingprotocol: 20 ml 10×HBSS, 4 ml 1 M HEPES, 176 ml sterile water; then add142 mg Probenecid to solution and pH to 7.4. This wash buffer contains1×HBSS, 20 mM HEPES and 2.5 mM probenecid. For one 96-well plate, dyeloading buffer is prepared as following: 11 ml wash buffer, 44 □lFluo-4/pluoronic acid mix (22 □l aliquot 2 mM Fluo-4 (Molecular Probes#F-14201, 50 μg/tube)+22 [l 20% pluronic F-127 (Molecular Devices,P-3000).

Cells are loaded with dye according to the protocol below:

-   -   1. Prepare wash buffer with 1×HBSS/HEPES at room temperature    -   2. Prepare loading buffer (keep in dark)    -   3. Aspirate culture media    -   4. Add 100 μl dye loading buffer to each well    -   5. Incubate at 37° C. for 1 hr    -   6. Aspirate loading buffer    -   7. Wash with 200 μl per well×2    -   8. Add 100 μl wash buffer per well    -   9. Ready to assay plate with FLIPR or FlexStation

10 mM stock compounds in DMSO are prepared. Compounds are diluted inwash buffer to make 8 point series dilutions containing sameconcentration of DMSO (less than 0.3%). Compounds are tested induplicate wells for each point. Ligand rhTECK was diluted to 5× of itsEC50 with wash buffer containing 0.5% BSA. Appropriate amount of 5×ligand is added to each well. Data is analyzed using GraphPad Prismsoftware to calculate IC50 value of antagonist activity for eachcompound.

The following Examples are illustrative but not limiting of the presentinvention:

EXAMPLE 1N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-thiophene-2-carboxamide.

1). 2,4,6-Trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenylamine (2). To a solution of2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine (15.0 g, 99.8 mmol) in anhydrousDMF (300 mL) were sequentially added potassium carbonate (30.4 g, 219.7mmol) and 1,4-dibromobutane (11.9 mL, 99.8 mmol). The reaction wasstirred overnight and then partitioned between water and ethyl acetate.The organic layer was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated.The residue was chromatographed eluting with hexanes:ethyl acetate(20:1) to give the desired product (10.8 g, 53%).

The titled compound was synthesized as shown in scheme 2 using 2 to givea white solid (ESI [M+H⁺])=315.21.

EXAMPLES 2-97

(Table 1) Were Synthesized in Similar Fashion

EXAMPLE 973,5-dichloro-N-(3-diethylamino-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide.

1) Diethylamino-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenylamine (5). Compound 5 wassynthesized as shown in Scheme 1 using a literature procedure (Wu, et.al. J. Med. Chem. 1999, 42, 4485-4499).

2) The title compound was synthesized by coupling of 5 with3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride as shown in Scheme 2 for21 to give a yellow solid (ESI [M+H⁺]=431.2).

EXAMPLE 983,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-N-(4-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide

1) 1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-pyrrolidine (7). To a solution of 4-nitroaniline (1g, 7.2 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added sodium hydride (60% in mineraloil, 0.579 g, 14.4 mmol). The mixture was placed under nitrogenatmosphere and stirred for 5 minutes before the addition of1,4-Dibromobutane (0.86 mL, 7.2 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirredfor additional 15 min and then extracted with ethyl acetate (30 mL, 20mL) and washed with water and brine (15 mL each). The ethyl acetateextracts were combined and dried (MgSO₄), the solids filtered and thefiltrate concentrated to give the crude 7 as a yellow solid.

2) 4-(Pyrrolidin-1-yl)-phenylamine (8). To a solution of 7 in ethanol(20 mL) was added 10 wt % Pd on carbon (Degussa) (25 mg, 23 □mol).Glacial acetic acid (2-3 drops) was added to the reaction. The reactionwas placed under a H₂ atmosphere and stirred for 16 hours, after whichthe reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of celite. The filtratewas evaporated, and the residue then dissolved in ethyl acetate (20 mL)and washed with 2N HCl (aq. 15 mL). The aqueous phase was isolated andthen basified by the addition of 2N NaOH (aq. 20 mL). The aqueous layerwas extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The ethyl acetate extractswere dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated togive crude 8 as a yellow oil (642 mg, 55% for 2 steps).

3) The title compound was synthesized in the same fashion as for 21(Scheme2) using 8 and 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride asa yellow solid (ESI M+H=387.18).

EXAMPLE 1194-Chloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(4-methyl-piperizin-1-yl)-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide.

1). 2,4,6-Trimethyl-3-(4-methyl-piperizin-1-yl)-phenylamine (11). To asolution of 1 (1.5 g, 10 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (20 mL) weresequentially added mechlorethamine hydrochloride (1.93 g, 10 mmol) andcesium carbonate (10.4 g, 32 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated for6 hours at 120° C. under nitrogen and was worked up as usual. Columnchromatography eluting with EtOAc:methanol (10:1) then 100% methanolgave 900 mg of 11.

2) The title compound was synthesized following the protocol shown inScheme 2 using 11 and 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride as a yellow solid(ESI M+H=408.21). The compounds of Examples 99-118 and 120-128 areprepared by the procedures of Examples 98 and 119.

EXAMPLE 129.4-tert-Butyl-N-(3-(3-dimethylamino-2,2-dimethyl-propylamino)-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide

1)N-(3-Dimethylamino-2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,4,6-trimethyl-benzene-1,3-diamine(15). Sodium tert-butoxide (288.33 mg, 3 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃, (104 mg, 0.1mmol), and BINAP (125 mg, 0.2 mmol) were mixed in a sealed tube and thetube was purged with N₂. 3-Bromo-2,4,6-trimethyl-aniline (428.22 mg, 2mmol) and 2,2-N¹,N¹-tetramethyl-propane-1,3-diamine (0.413 ml, 2.6 mmol)and toluene (5 mL) were then sequentially added to the tube. The mixturewas degassed three times and filled with N₂, sealed, and heated for 36hours at 100° C. The tube was cooled to room temperature and worked upas usual. The crude products were purified by loaded into columnchromatography (florisil) eluting with hexanes: EtOAc (3:1 to 1:2 ratio)to give 329 mg 15.

2). The titled compound was synthesized as shown in Scheme 2 using 15and 4-tert-butylbenzenesulfonyl chloride as a yellow solid (ESI[M+H⁺]=460.11).

The compounds of Examples 130-132 are prepared by the procedure ofExample 129.

Example 133 and 134.N-(3-Benzylamino-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamideandN-benzyl-N-(3-benzylamino-2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide.

1) N-Benzyl-2,4,6-trimethyl-benzene-1,3-diamine (16) andN,N′-dibenzyl-2,4,6-trimethyl-benzene-1,3-diamine (17). To a solution of2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine (2.0 g, 13.3 mmol) in anhydrous DMF(40 mL) were sequentially added potassium carbonate (2.8 g, 20.0 mmol)and benzyl bromide (1.6 mL, 13.3 mmol). The reaction was stirredovernight and partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organiclayer was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄), the solids were filtered offand the filtrate concentrated. The residue was chromatographed elutingwith hexanes:ethyl acetate (80:1-40:1-20:1) to give a 1:1 mixture of 16and 17.

2). The title compounds were synthesized as shown in Scheme 2 using3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride and 16, 17,respectively, as white foams. ESI [M+H⁺]=465.04 (example 133);M−H=553.075 for (example 134).

EXAMPLE 135

(2-chloro-benzyl)-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-amine 18.To a solution of aniline 1 (121 mg, 0.59 mmol) in DMF (4.9 mL) was addedtriethylamine (0.14 mL, 1.00 mmol). 2-Chlorobenzyl chloride (0.08 mL,0.63 mmol) was then added, and is the reaction was heated at 80° C. for22 hrs. After cooling the reaction mixture to room temperature, themixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2) and washed with waterand brine (10 mL each). The ethyl acetate extracts were dried overanhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated to give the crudeproduct. Column chromatography on silica (15:1 to 7:1 hexanes/ethylacetate) gave the product (R_(f)≈0.6 in 10/1 hexanes/ethyl acetate) as ayellow oil (14 mg, 7%). ESI [M+H⁺]=329.1.

EXAMPLE 136

Biphenyl-2-ylmethyl-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-amine(19). The title compound was synthesized in the same manner as forexample 135 as a yellow oil. ESI [M+H⁺]=371.19.

EXAMPLE 137

4-Methoxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-biphenyl-2-carboxamide.To a solution of the aryl bromide 22 (example 22) (106 mg, 0.25 mmol) intoluene (2.4 mL) was added saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution(1.0 ml). The mixture was placed under a nitrogen atmosphere followed bythe addition of a solution of phenyl boronic acid (43 mg, 0.35 mmol) inEtOH (1.8 mL). Pd(Ph₃P)₄ (19 mg, 0.02 mmol) was added, and the reactionwas then heated at 80° C. for 70 hrs. After cooling the reaction mixtureto room temperature, the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (30mL, 20 mL) and washed with water and brine (15 mL each). The ethylacetate extracts were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered,and evaporated to give the crude product. Column chromatography onsilica (5:1 to 4:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate) gave the product (R_(f)=0.4 in3/1 hexanes/ethyl acetate) as a white solid (46 mg, 44%). ESI[M+H⁺]=415.21.

The compounds of Examples 138-148 are prepared by the procedure ofExample 137.

Example 149.2-Phenyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-ethanesulfonamide.To a solution of Example 68 (0.20 g, 0.55 mmol) in EtOH (8 mL) was addedPd (10% on carbon, degussa, 0.20 g) and 10 drops of AcOH. This mixturewas then sealed with a septum and put under vacuum for 1 minute beforesubjected to a H₂ atmosphere overnight at room temperature. TLCindicated the reaction did not go to completion. After filtration toremove the catalyst, the filtrate was concentrated and the desiredproduct was separated by silica gel chromatography (10% to 25% EtOAc inhexanes) to yield 0.070 g of the title compound as a yellow solid. ESI[M+H⁺]=373.16.

EXAMPLE 1502-Methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide(32)

1) 2-Methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride (29). To a solutionof 2,4-dimethylanisole (4.18 g, 30 mmol) in anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane(45 mL) at 0° C. and under N₂ were added dropwise CISO₃H (2.55 mL, 38mmol) and PCl₅ (6.7 g, 31.5 mmol) in portions. The mixture was stirredovernight at room temperature and poured into ice water with vigorousstirring. The aqueous mixture was extracted with dichloromethane and theorganic layer was washed with brine two times and dried over NaSO₄. Thesolids were filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated in a rotavapto afford 29 (4.5 g).

2) The title compounds was synthesized as usual (Scheme 2) using 29 andthe phenylenediamine 30 as a white solid ESI [M+H⁺]=417.22.

EXAMPLE 151

(TBC6274).3,5-Dichloro-2-methoxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide(31). The title compound was synthesized in the same manner as forexample 150 as a light yellow foam.

EXAMPLE 152

N-(2-(Dimethylamino)-ethyl)-2-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide(34). To a solution of 32 (103 mg, 0.25 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (5 mL)was added NaH (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 22 mg, 0.54 mmol). Themixture was stirred for 10 min at room temperature before the additionof 2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl chloride hydrochloride (39.2 mg, 0.27 mmol).The resulting mixture was heated overnight at 85° C. After a usualworkup, the residue was loaded onto column (Florisil) and the columneluted with EtOAc/CH₃OH (10:1) to give 80 mg of the title compound as anoff-white solid. ESI [M+H⁺]=488.27.

EXAMPLE 153

3,5-Dichloro-N-(2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl)-2-methoxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide(33). The title compound was synthesized in the same manner as forExample 152 as light yellow foam. ESI [M+H⁺]=528.28.

EXAMPLE 154

2-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide(35). Under a nitrogen atomersphere, 32 (88 mg, 0.21 mmol) was dissolvedin dichloromethane (6 mL) followed by the addition of BBr₃ (0.2 mL, 2.1mmol). The reaction was stirred overnight at room temperature and thenquenched with ice. The mixture was partitioned between EtOAc and waterand the organic layer was separated, washed with brine, and dried overNa₂SO₄. The solids were filtered off and the filtrate was concentratedin a rotavap to give 70 mg of the title compound as a brownish solid ESI[M+H⁺]=402.24.

The compounds of Examples 155-160 are prepared by the procedure ofExample 154.

EXAMPLE 161

2-Amino-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzesulfonamide(39). The title compound was synthesized in the same manner as for isExample 149 from 38 as a light yellow foam. ESI [M+H⁺]=360.08.

The compounds of Examples 162-165 are prepared by the procedure ofExample 161.

EXAMPLE 166

4-Hydroxy-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide. Thetitle compound, a yellow solid, was synthesized in the same manner asfor Example 149 using Example 111 as the substrate for catalytichydrogenation.

EXAMPLE 167

2-Amino-3,5-dichloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide(40). To a solution of 39 (0.12 g, 0.32 mmol) in acetic acid (4.0 mL) at0° C. was added sulfuryl chloride (0.092 g, 0.68 mmol) dropwise. Afterbeing stirred at room temperature for 2 h, the reaction mixture wasquenched with cold saturated (aq.) NaHCO₃ and was extracted with EtOAc(70 mL). The organic layer was washed with sat. NaHCO₃, H₂O, and brinebefore it was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to dryness. The resultingcrude product was chromatographed eluting with 10% to 25% EtOAc inhexanes to yield the title compounds as a light-yellow solid (0.11 g,79%, ESI [M+H⁺]=428.13).

EXAMPLE 168

4-Amino-3,5-dichloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide.The title compound was synthesized in the same manner as for Example 167using Example 163 as the substrate for chlorination reaction. It was atan solid ESI [M+H⁺]=428.11.

EXAMPLE 169

3,5-Dichloro-2-methanesulfonylamino-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide(42). To a solution of 40 (69 mg, 0.16 mmol) in DMF at 0° C. was addedNaH (60% in mineral oil, 14 mg, 0.35 mmol). The mixture was stirred for10 min at 0° C. before the addition of methanesulfonyl chloride (22 mg,0.19 mmol). The resulting mixture was then stirred at room temperatureovernight. The reaction was quenched with a few drops of dilute HCl andthen diluted with EtOAc (60 mL). The organic layer was washed with water(2×30 mL) and brine (30 mL) and the volatiles were removed byevaporation on a rotavap. The residue was purified on a silica gelcolumn (15% to 30% EtOAc in hexanes) to yield the title compounds as anoff-white solid (10 mg ESI [M+H⁺]=506.12).

EXAMPLE 170

N-(2,4-Dichloro-6-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenylaminosulfonyl)phenyl)-acetamide(41). The title compound was synthesized in the same manner as forExample 169 using acetyl chloride instead of methanesulfonyl chloride.It was obtained as an off-white solid (ESI [M−H⁺]=468.22).

EXAMPLE 171 tert-Butyl(2-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzene-sulfonylamino)-6-piperidin-1-yl-benzyl)-carbamate(47)

1) 2-Amino-6-piperidin-1-yl-benzonitrile (44). A solution of2-amino-6-fluoro-benzonitrile (844 mg, 6.2 mmol) in piperidine (5 mL)was heated overnight at 80° C. After usual workup, the residue wasloaded into column (silica gel) and eluted with hexanes: EtOAc (5:1) togive 450 mg of 44.

2) 2-Amino-6-piperidin-1-yl-benzylamine (44a). To a solution of 44 (260mg, 1.29 mmol) in anhydrous THF (6 mL) was added lithium aluminumhydride (1 M in THF, 6 mL, 6 mmol). The mixture was heated overnight at75° C. The reaction was allowed to cool to room temperature and quenchedwith Na₂SO₄.10H₂O and stirred for 30 min. The solids were filtered off,the filtrate was concentrated on a rotavap to afford 44a (270 mg).

3) tert-Butyl (2-amino-6-piperidin-1-yl-benzyl)-carbamate (45). To asolution of 44a (300 mg, 1.46 mmol) in anhydrous THF (8 mL) was addedBoc₂O (351 mg, 1.61 mmol) and the mixture was stirred overnight at roomtemperature. After usual workup, the residue was loaded into column(silica gel) and eluted with hexanes: EtOAc (7:1) to give 45 (160 mg).

4) The title compound was synthesized according to the protocol shown inScheme 2 using 45 and 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride(46). It was an off-white solid (ESI ([M+H⁺]=530.11).

EXAMPLE 172

N-(2-Aminomethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide(48). To a solution of 47 (75 mg) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was addedTFA (0.5 mL). The solution was stirred overnight. Followed by usualworkup. The title compound was obtained as an off-white solid (35 mg).

EXAMPLE 173

2-Aminomethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide.The title compound was synthesized from the corresponding nitrile(Example 103) using the procedure as shown for 44a.

The compounds of Examples 174-175 are prepared by the procedure ofExample 173.

EXAMPLE 176

3-Phenylaminosulfonyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-thiophene-2-carboxamide(53). The title compound was synthesized according to a literaturesequence (Wu, et. al. J. Med. Chem. 1999, 42, 4485-4499) of sulfonamidecoupling/MOM protection/amide coupling/MOM deprotection (Scheme 4) as ayellowish solid ESI [M+H⁺]=470.2.

EXAMPLE 177

3-Benzenesulfonylamino-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-thiophene-2-carboxamide(58). The title compound was synthesized according to the same reactionsequence (Scheme 4) as for Example 176, except that coupling partnerswere methyl 3-amino-thiophene-2-carboxylate (54) and benzenesulfonylchloride. It was an amber solid ESI [M+H⁺]=470.15.

EXAMPLE 178

1-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-urea. Asolution of 2 (0.25 g, 1.22 mmol) and 2-methoxyphenyl isocyanate (0.18g, 1.22 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) was heated at 80° C. overnight. Themixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and then diluted withEtOAc. The organic layer was washed with water (50 mL) and brine (50 mL)before it was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated on a rotavap. The residuewas chromatographed on silica gel to give the title compound (0.11 g) asa solid. ESI [M+H⁺]=354.22.

The compounds of Examples 179-184 are prepared by the procedure ofExample 178.

EXAMPLE 182

1-(2-(4-benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl)-3-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-urea.To a solution of 2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperazin-1-yl-phenylamine (0.2 g,0.92 mmol) and Hunig's base (0.7 mL, 4.0 mmol) in anhydrous1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL) at 0° C. was added triphosgene (0.1 g, 0.35mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes before theaddition of a solution of 2-(4-benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethylamine (0.2 g,0.92 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (2 mL). The reaction was stirredovernight and partitioned between water and methylene chloride. Theorganic layer was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated. Theresidue was chromatographed with florisil, eluting with a mixture ofhexanes and ethyl acetate in the ratio of 2:1 to 100% ethyl acetate, andthen to a mixture of ethyl acetate and MeOH (30:1) to give the titlecompound as a white foam (0.27 g, 64% yield).

EXAMPLE 185

N-benzyl-2-benzyloxy-3,5-dichloro-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide.To a solution of Example 69 (0.10 g, 0.23 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (3 mL)were sequentially added benzyl bromide (0.039 g, 0.23 mmol) and K₂CO₃(0.032 g, 0.23 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperatureovernight and then diluted with EtOAc (70 mL). The organic layer waswashed with dilute HCl (30 mL), water (30 mL), and brine (30 mL), andthen dried over Na₂SO₄. The solids were filtered off and the filtrateconcentrated on a rotavap. The residue was purified on silica gel (5% to15% EtOAc in hexanes) to give the product (0.050 g) as a white solid.ESI [M+H⁺]=609.2.

EXAMPLE 186

N-Benzyl-1-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonyl)-N-(2-dimethylamino-ethyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide.To a solution of N-t-Boc-L-proline (2.0 g, 9.29 mmol) in anhydrous DMF(15 mL) were sequentially added N′-benzyl-N,N-dimethylethylendiamine(1.65 g, 9.29 mmol), EDC (2.31 g, 12.0 mmol), and HOBT (1.62 g, 12.0mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hbefore being poured into water (75.0 mL). The resulting solution wasextracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL), and the organic layer wasseparated and washed with 10% sodium bicarbonate (aq. 15 mL). Theorganic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Theresidue was treated with 4 N HCl in dioxin (10 mL), and the mixture wasstirred at room temperature. The reaction was completed after 20 min andthe crude reaction mixture was washed with saturated bicarbonate (aq.145 mL) (pH=9) and then extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL). Theorganic layer was dried over MgSO₄, and then concentrated to give ayellow oil (1.5 g). To a solution of this oil (100.0 mg) in anhydrousTHF (4 mL) was added triethylamine (0.5 mL) and3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (91.0 mg, 0.36 mmol) inone portion. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature andthe reaction was monitored by TLC. The reaction was completed after 15min and water was added to the mixture. The resulting solution wasextracted with ethyl acetate and the organic layer was washed with 5%NaHCO₃ (10 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and thenconcentrated to give the crude product which was purified by silica gelchromatography using 3% methanol in ethyl acetate as the eluent. Thetitle compound was obtained as an off-white solid (135 mg). ESI[M+H⁺]=500.16.

The compounds of Examples 187-190 are prepared by the procedure ofExample 186.

EXAMPLE 191

3-Benzenesulfonylamino-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-phenyl)-benzamide.The title compound was synthesized according to the protocol shown inScheme 2 using Example 165 and benzenesulfonyl chloride as the startingmaterials. It was obtained as a yellow solid. ESI [M+H⁺]=464.25.

EXAMPLE 192

3,5-Dichloro-N-(2-cyano-3-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide.The title compound was synthesized according to the protocol shown inScheme 2 using 44 and 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzenesulfonyl chloride asthe starting materials. It was obtained as an off-white solid. ESI[M+H⁺]=423.97.

The CCR-9 antagonist compounds of the present invention may be preparedby the following general procedures:

Standard abbreviations include the following:

-   -   DMF, N,N-dimethylformamide    -   THF, Tetrahydrofuran,    -   TEA, Triethylamine,    -   DIPEA, N,N-Diisopropyl ethylamine    -   DMAP, 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine,    -   Pd₂(dba)₃, Tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0)    -   BINAP, (±)-2,2′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1-1′-binaphthyl

EXAMPLE 193 Preparation of Compounds of Scheme 1

Step One.

Methyl 3-aminothiophene-2-carboxylate (3.14 g, 20 mmol) was dissolved inpyridine (10 mL) at room temperature. The flask was sealed with a septumand a nitrogen inlet. The solution was treated slowly with abenzenesulfonyl chloride (2.5 mL, 19.5 mmol). The reaction was followedby thin layer chromatography. The reaction was diluted with ethylacetate and washing with 2N HCl. The organic layer was washed withsaturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution and dried over sodiumsulfate. The solution was decanted and evaporated under reduced pressureto give 3-benzenesulfonylaminothiophene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester(5.36 g, 90%), which was used without further purification.

Step Two.

3-Benzenesulfonylaminothiophene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1.5 g,5.0 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (10 mL) and treated withaqueous, sodium hydroxide solution (2N, 7.5 mL, 3 equivalents) at roomtemperature. The solution was warmed to 50° C. and monitored by thinlayer chromatography. Upon completion of the reaction, the mixture wascooled and extracted once with diethyl ether. The ether layer was setaside. The aqueous layer was then acidified with aqueous HCl (2N,excess) before re-extracting twice with ethyl acetate. The combinedorganic layers were washed once with brine solution and dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. The ethyl acetate was decanted and evaporatedunder reduced pressure to give of3-benzenesulfonylaminothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (1.34 g, 95%) as awhite powder.

Step Three.

3-Benzenesulfonylaminothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (0.61 g, 2.15 mmol)was suspended in dichloromethane (8.6 mL). The resulting mixture wassequentially treated with N,N-dimethylformamide (1 drop), and, in twoportions, oxalyl chloride (0.42 mL, 4.8 mmol). After stirring briefly atroom temperature, the foaming subsided and the solution was refluxeduntil the reaction was complete. The mixture was concentrated todryness, re-dissolved in dichloromethane, and filtered through verysmall pad of course silica gel, eluting with dichloromethane. Uponconcentration of the eluent, the desired3-benzenesulfonylaminothiophene-2-carboxylic acid chloride was obtainedas a yellow solid (0.32 g, 49%), which was used without furtherpurification.

Step Four.

To a solution of 2,4,6-trimethylaniline (70 mg, 0.518 mmol) indichloromethane (0.20 mL) and triethylamine (72 □L, 0.52 mmol) was added3-benzenesulfonylamino-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid chloride (134 mg,0.444 mmol). The resulting mixture was allowed to stir overnight at roomtemperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture wasapplied directly to silica gel, (9:1 hexane/ethyl acetate, gradient to4:1 hexane ethyl acetate). The compound was then precipitated fromhexanes and dichloromethane to give3-benzenesulfonylamino-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) amide as a white solid (0.028 g, 16%).

The following sulfonyl chlorides may be substituted for benzenesulfonylchloride of Step One:

-   -   4-Acetamidobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-Acetylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-Acetylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Acetylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Biphenylsulfonyl chloride-3-Biphenylsulfonyl        chloride-4-Biphenylsulfonyl        chloride-3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-tert-Butylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   butanesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-Chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Cyanobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-(Chlorosulfonyl)benzoic acid    -   5-Chloro-2-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-Chloro-2,5-dimethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Chloro-4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-Chloro-4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-Chloro-2-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Chloro-6-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   5-Chlorothiophene-2-sulfonyl chloride    -   cyclopentanesulfonyl chloride    -   cyclohexanesulfonyl chloride    -   2,3-Dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,4-Dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,5-Dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,5-Dichlorothiophene-3-sulfonyl chloride    -   2,5-Dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3,4-Dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,6-Dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,6-Dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,6-Difluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3,4-Dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3,4-Difluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3,5-Dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3,5-Dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3,5-Difluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-Ethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   Ethanesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-Fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-Fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-Fluoro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-Fluoro-4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-Fluoro-4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   5-Fluoro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   Methanesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-Methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-Methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   Mesitylenesulfonyl chloride    -   2-Methoxy-4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-Phenoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   Propanesulfonyl chloride    -   Quinoline-8-sulfonyl chloride    -   2-(Trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-(Trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-(Trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2-(Trifluoromethoxy)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   3-(Trifluoromethoxy)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   4-(Trifluoromethoxy)benzenesulfonyl chloride    -   m-Toluenesulfonyl chloride    -   p-Toluenesulfonyl chloride    -   o-toluenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,4,5-Trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,4,6-Triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride    -   2,3,4-Trifluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride

It is also envisioned that the following anilines and amines may besubstituted for 2,4,6-trimethylaniline of Step Four:

-   -   2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidinoaniline    -   2,6-dimethyl-3-piperidinoaniline    -   2,4-dimethyl-3-piperidinoaniline    -   4,6-dimethyl-3-piperidinoaniline    -   2,6-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidinoaniline    -   2,4-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidinoaniline    -   4,6-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidinoaniline    -   2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(1-imidazolyl)aniline    -   2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(1-pyrrolidyl)aniline    -   2,6-dimethyl-3-(1-pyrrolidyl)aniline    -   2,4-dimethyl-3-(1-pyrrolidyl)aniline    -   4,6-dimethyl-3-(1-pyrrolidyl)aniline    -   2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclopentylaniline    -   2,6-dimethyl-3-cyclopentylaniline    -   2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclopentylaniline    -   4,6-dimethyl-3-cyclopentylaniline    -   2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexylaniline    -   2,6-dimethyl-3-cyclohexylaniline    -   2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexylaniline    -   4,6-dimethyl-3-cyclohexylaniline    -   2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(N,N-dimethylamino)aniline    -   2,6-dimethyl-3-(N,N-dimethylamino)aniline    -   2,4-dimethyl-3-(N,N-dimethylamino)aniline    -   4,6-dimethyl-3-(N,N-dimethylamino)aniline    -   Morpholine    -   Piperazine    -   Piperidine    -   Pyrrolidine

EXAMPLE 194 Preparation of Compounds of Scheme 2.

Step One.

To a solution of 3-bromonitrobenzene (2.02 g, 10 mmol) in toluene (33mL) and pyrrolidine (1.0 mL, 12 mmol) was added sodium t-butoxide (1.92g, 20 mmol) and the solution was deoxygenated by passing a nitrogenthrough the solution at room temperature for 15 minutes. BINAP andtris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) complex were subsequently addedas a solid and the nitrogen bubbling was continued for an additional 5minutes. The mixture was heated at 100° C. overnight. The reactionmixture was then cooled and partitioned between water and ethyl acetate.The organic layer was washed once with brine solution and dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. The ethyl acetate was decanted and evaporatedunder reduced pressure to give the desired 1-(3-nitrophenyl)pyrrolidineas a red oil (1.5 g, 79%).

Alternatively, under these conditions, 3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylanilinemay be substituted for 3-bromotoluene to prepare the corresponding3-pyrrolidino-2,4,6-trimethylaniline, except that the pyrrolidine isincreased to 5 equivalents.

Step Two:

To a solution of 1-(3-nitrophenyl)pyrrolidine (1.5 g, 7.8 mmol) inmethanol (25 mL) was added Pd/C (10%, Degusa type E101, 50% water, 1 g)and ammonium formate (0.96 g, 15 mmol). The resulting suspension washeated at reflux until the reaction was complete. The mixture wasfiltered through celite and concentrated under reduced pressure filteredthrough course silica gel with ethyl acetate to give the desired product3-(1-pyrrolidino)aniline (0.65 g, 79%).

EXAMPLE 195 Preparation of Compounds of Scheme 3

Step One.

To a solution of an aniline (1.02 g, 10.9 mmol, 11.1 equivalents)dissolved in dry THF (35 mL) and triethylamine (1.53 mL, 1.1equivalents) at room temperature, sealed with a septum and a nitrogeninlet, was added 2-carbomethoxythiophene-3-sulfonyl chloride (2.5 g, 9.9mmol, 95% purity). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperatureover night. Upon completion, the reaction will be extracted by dilutingwith ethyl acetate and washing with aqueous HCl (2N), water andsaturated, aqueous sodium chloride solution. The organic layer was driedover sodium sulfate. The solution will be decanted and evaporated underreduced pressure to give the desired3-phenylsulfamoylthiophene-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (2.6 g, 88%).

Step Two:

The Sulfonamide of Step One, 3-phenylsulfamoylthiophene-2-carboxylicacid methyl ester, was dissolved in dry dichloromethane andN,N-diisopropyl ethylamine. The resulting mixture was chilled to 0° C.prior to the addition of bromomethyl methyl ether. The reaction mixturewas stirred over night at room temperature. The mixture was partitionedbetween dichloromethane and aqueous HCl (2N). The organic layer willthen be washed one time with saturated sodium chloride solution anddried over sodium sulfate, followed by concentration to dryness underreduced pressure to give the desired product,3-(N-methoxymethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid methylester (3 g, quantitative).

Step Three

To a homogenous mixture of3-(N-methoxymethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid methylester (3 g, 8.75 mmol) in methanol and water was added aqueous, sodiumhydroxide solution (2N, excess) at room temperature. Upon completion ofthe reaction, the mixture was cooled and extracted once with diethylether. The aqueous layer will then acidified with aqueous, HCl (2N,excess) before re-extracting twice with ethyl acetate. The organic layerwas washed once with brine solution and dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate. The ethyl acetate solution was decanted and evaporated underreduced pressure to give the desired3-(N-methoxymethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2.2 g,79%).

Step Four

The 3-(N-methoxymethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid ofstep three (0.722, 2.2 mmol) was suspended in dichloromethane (5 mL),followed by sequentially treating with pyridine (1 drop) and chilled to0° C. The solution was then treated with oxalyl chloride (2.43 mL, 2M indichloromethane) before refluxing for I hour. The mixture was cooled toroom temperature and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. Theresidue was re-dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) and added to a cold(0° C.) solution of 3-pyrrolidino-2,4,6-trimethylaniline (0.250 g, 1.2mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (4 mL), triethylamine(0.36 mL 2.6 mmol) and4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.027 g, 10 mol%). The reaction mixture wasallowed to stir at room temperature over night. The material waspurified by normal phase (SiO₂) chromatography by eluting with 3:1hexanes: ethyl acetate to give3-(N-methoxymethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid) (107mg, 15%).

Step Five

3-(N-methoxymethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (107mg, 0.331 mmol) of the previous step was dissolved in methanol andtreated with a concentrated HCl (9 mL). The reaction mixture was heatedto 70° C. for 2.5 hours, cooled and poured onto ice water. The pH wasadjusted to 3-4, and the aqueous mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloridesolution and dried over sodium sulfate before concentrating to drynessunder reduced pressure to give the desired product such as3-phenylsulfamoylthiophene-carboxylic acid(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) amide(40 mg, 26%).

EXAMPLE 196 Preparation of Additional Compounds

The following compounds were prepared according to general Preparation Ias set forth in Scheme I and in some cases, incorporating the generalprocedures of Scheme 2 and Scheme 3, as indicated:

′3-[(Methoxymethyl)(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation I. Methoxymethyl ether wasincorporated according to General Preparation III, Step Two. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 514.18; found (m/z) 514.13.

′3-[(Benzylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation I substitutingα-tolylsulfonyl chloride in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride to give asolid. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 484.1; found (m/z) 484.31.

′N-Mesityl-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide was preparedaccording to General Preparation I substituting 2,4,6-trimethylanilinein place of 3-pyrrolidinyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline to give a white solid.MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 401.10; found (m/z) 400.99.

′3-[(Phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation I substituting3-pyrrolidinylaniline in place of 3-pyrrolidinyl-2,4,6-trimethylanilineto give a white solid (28 mg). MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 428.11; found(m/z) 428.10.

′3-[(Methylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation I substitutingmethanesulfonyl chloride in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride to give awhite solid. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 408.14; found (m/z) 408.09.

′3-[(Phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation I substituting3-piperidinyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline in place of3-pyrrolidinyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline. The3-piperidinyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline was prepared according to GeneralPrep II, Step One using 3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylaniline and excesspiperidine. The desired compound was produced as a white solid. MS(M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 484.17; found (m/z) 484.12.

′3-[(Phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-morpholin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation I substituting2,4,6-trimethyl-3-morpholin-1-ylaniline in place of2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylaniline. The2,4,6-trimethyl-3-morpholin-1-ylaniline was prepared according toGeneral Prep II, Step One using 3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylaniline andexcess morpholine. The desired compound was produced as a white solid.MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 486.15; found (m/z) 486.28.

EXAMPLE 197

General Prep IV

Step 1

To a solution of 2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-yl-aniline, (1.5 g, 7.6mmol) in anhydrous 1,2 dichloroethane (20 mL), chilled to 0° C. underN₂, was added a solution of trimethylaluminum (2M in hexanes) (7.6 mL,15.2 mmol). Upon completion of the addition, the ice bath was removedand the reaction was stirred for 30 min. at room temperature. Methyl3-amino-2-thiophenecarboxylate (0.95 g, 0.8 equivalents.) was added inone portion to the flask, and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 18hours. The reaction mixture was acidified with hydrochloric acid (2N)(2×50 mL) and washed with dichloromethane (2×50 mL). The combinedaqueous layers were then adjusted basic using a saturated, aqueoussolution of sodium bicarbonate and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50mL). The combined organic ethyl acetate extracts were dried withmagnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure toyield a brown oil. The material was further purified by silica gelchromatography using 5% ethyl acetate in hexanes as the mobile phase(gradient) to yield3-amino-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamideas a yellow foam (640 mg).

Step 2:

To a solution of the carboxamide (0.304 mmol) of step 1 above indichloromethane (5 mL) in a 25 ml round bottom flask was added pyridine(0.304 mmol) and benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.304 mmol). The reactionmixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The reactionmixture was then diluted with hydrochloric acid (2N) and extracted withdichloromethane (2×15 mL). The combined organic extracts were washedwith a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (2×10 mL). Theorganic layers were then dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered, andconcentrated under reduced pressure to yield a brown oil. The oil wasfurther purified by silica gel chromatography using 5% ethyl acetate inbexanes as the mobile phase to yield′3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamideas a white to yellow solid.

The following compounds were prepared according to the procedure ofGeneral Prep IV Examples:

′3-{[(3-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 3-fluorophenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 488.15; found (m/z) 488.10.

′3-{[(2-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-methyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 2-fluorophenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 488.15; found (m/z) 488.10.

′2-[(Phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)benzamidewas prepared according to the General Prep IV except that methyl2-aminobenzoate was used in place of the methyl3-amino-2-thiophenecarboxylate. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 464.20;found (m/z) 464.15 .

′3-{[(3-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that3-methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 500.17; found (m/z) 500.33.

′3-{[(3-Methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 3-methylphenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 484.17; found (m/z) 484.21.

′3-{[(4-Methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 4-methylphenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 484.17; found (m/z) 484.16.

′3-{[(4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 500.17; found (m/z) 500.13.

′3-{[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 4-chlorophenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 505.12; found (m/z) 504.10.

′3-({[4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that4-trifluoromethylphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place ofphenylsulfonyl chloride MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 538.14; found (m/z)538.114.

′3-({[2-(Trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that2-trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place ofphenylsulfonyl chloride MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 554.14; found (m/z)554.14.

′3-({[3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that3-trifluoromethylphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place ofphenylsulfonyl chloride MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 538.14; found (m/z)538.15.

′3-({[2-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that2-trifluoromethylphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place ofphenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 538.14; found (m/z)538.14.

′3-{[(3-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 3-chlorophenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 505.12; found (m/z) 504.09.

′3-{[(2-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 2-chlorophenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 505.12; found (m/z) 504.10.

′3-{[(4-Trifuoromethoxyphenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that4-trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place ofphenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 554.14; found (m/z)554.20.

′3-({[3-(Trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that3-trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place ofphenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 554.14; found (m/z)554.19.

′3-{[(4-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide—wasprepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 4-fluorophenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 488.15; found (m/z) 488.10.

′3-{[(2-Bromophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 2-bromophenylsulfonylchloride was used in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 549.07; found (m/z) 548.21.

′3-{[(3,5-Dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that3,5-dichlorophenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 539.14; found (m/z) 538.24.

′3-{[(3,5-Difluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that3,5-difluorophenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 506.14; found (m/z) 506.14.

′3-{[(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that3,4-dichlorophenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 539.08; found (m/z) 538.09.

′3-{[(3,4-Difluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that3,4-difluorophenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 506.14; found (m/z) 506.28.

′3-{[(3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that 3-chloro4-fluorophenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 523.11; found (m/z) 522.07.

′3-{[(3,4,5-Trifluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Gen Prep IV except that3,4,5-trifluorophenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place ofphenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 524.13; found (m/z)524.14.

′3-(Benzoylamino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Prep IV, except that benzoyl chloride wassubstituted in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated(m/z) 434.19; found (m/z) 434.31.

′3-[(4-Fluorobenzoyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Prep IV, except that 4-fluorobenzoyl chloridewas substituted in place of phenylsulfonyl chloride. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 452.52; found (m/z) 452.28.

Representative General Preparation VStep One

To a solution of methyl 2-aminothiophene-3-carboxylate (1.00 g, 6.36mmol) in dichloromethane (12 mL) and pyridine (1 mL) under nitrogen wasadded phenylsulfonyl chloride, 1.10 g, 6.56 mmol). The reaction mixturewas stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The mixture was quenchedwith HCl (2N) (50 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 mL). Theorganic layer was washed with water (3×30 mL) and brine (30 mL). Theorganic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure to give the desired methyl2-N-(phenylsulfonyl)thiophene-3-carboxylate (1.77 g, 93% yield as an offwhite solid).

Step Two

To a solution of 3-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-2,4,6-trimethylaniline, (530 mg, 2.6mmol) in toluene (10 mL) at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere was addedtrimethylaluminum in hexanes (3.15 mL of a 2.0M solution) drop-wise, andthe reaction mixture was stirred under nitrogen for 10 minutes. The icebath was removed and the reaction was stirred an additional 30 minutes.The sulfonamide prepared in step one (625 mg, 2.1 mmol) was added in oneportion, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at roomtemperature then 100° C. for 15 hours. After cooling, the reactionmixture was poured onto crushed ice/2N HCl mixture (100 mL) and stirredfor 10 minutes. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×30 mL).The pH was adjusted to 6 with NaHCO₃ (saturated) and extracted withethyl acetate (2×30 mL). The combined organic layers were dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultingresidue was purified by silica gel chromatography, eluting with 9:1hexanes:ethyl acetate to give, the desired compound, (140 mg, 14% yieldas a slight green powder).

The following compounds were prepared according to the procedure ofGeneral Prep V:

′2-1(Phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamidewas prepared according to the General Prep V. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated(m/z) 470.16, found (m/z) 470.24.

′4-[(Phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamidewas prepared according to the General Prep V substituting methyl4-amino-3-thiophenecarboxylate in place of methyl2-aminothiophene-3-carboxylate. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 470.16,found (m/z) 470.28.

′4,5-Dimethyl-2-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamideanalogue was prepared according to the General Prep V substitutingmethyl 2-amino-4,5-dimethyl-3-thiophenecarboxylate in place of methyl2-aminothiophene-3-carboxylate. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 498.19,found (m/z) 498.21.

′4-methyl-2-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Prep V, substituting methyl2-amino-4-methyl-3-thiophenecarboxylate in place of methyl2-aminothiophene-3-carboxylate. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 484.17,found (m/z) 484.30.

Preparation of′3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,6-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide

Step One:

To a solution of 2-nitro-m-xylene (1.51 g, 10 mmol) in trifluoroaceticacid was added N-bromosuccinimide (3 g 16.9 mmol) at 0° C. The ice bathwas removed and catalytic iron powder (10 mg) was added. The solutionwas heated at 50° C. overnight. The mixture was concentrated underreduced pressure and partitioned between diethyl ether and sodiumbicarbonate solution. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfateand concentrated under reduced pressure to give a yellow-orange solid.The mixture contained some starting material but was used withoutfurther purification.

Step Two

To a solution of crude 1-bromo-2,4-dimethyl-3-nitrobenzene (0.58 g, 2.9mmol) in glacial acetic acid (12 mL) was added iron powder (0.65 g, 11.6mmol). The mixture was stirred rapidly at 80° C. under nitrogen for 2hours. Upon completion, the mixture was cooled, diluted with diethylether and extracted with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (2N). Theorganic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, decanted and concentratedunder reduced pressure to give 3-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenylamine as ayellow oil which was used without further purification.

Step Three

To a solution of 3-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenylamine(0.27 g, 1.35 mmol)dissolved in toluene (5.4 mL) and pyrrolidine (0.56 mL, 6.8 mmol) wasadded sodium t-butoxide (0.39 g, 4.0 mmol). The suspension wasdeoxygenated for approximately 10 minutes by passing a stream ofnitrogen through the solvent. Solidtris(dibenzilideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (10 mg) andrac-2,2′Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′binaphthyl (25 mg) were combined andadded in one portion. Nitrogen bubbling continued for an additional 2minutes before heat was applied (100° C. overnight). The reactionmixture was cooled to room temperature and diluted with ethyl acetateand HCl_(aq). (2N). The aqueous layer was adjusted basic with sodiumbicarbonate solution and re-extracted with ethyl acetate. The organiclayer was dried over sodium sulfate, decanted and concentrated underreduced pressure to give to give the desired2,6-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenylamine as an amber oil.

Step Four

′3-[(Phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,6-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared from the resulting aniline according to Step Two of GeneralPreparation V. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 456.14; found (m/z) 456.27.

Preparation of′3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide

Step One:

To a solution of 4-nitro-m-xylene (0.96 g, 6.4 mmol) in acetic acid (8mL) and sulfuric acid (4 g) and Water (4 mL) was added potassium bromate(1.18 g, 7 mmol) portion-wise over 20 minutes. The mixture was allowedto stir 72 hours at room temperature. The desired product was recoveredtogether with starting material after partition between water, and ethylacetate (2×) washing with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solutionand brine. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, decanted andupon concentration under reduced pressure yielded the desired2-bromo-1,3-dimethyl-4-nitrobenzene and starting material as an oilysolid. The crude mixture was carried on to step two without furtherpurification.

Step Two

To a solution of the crude 2-bromo-1,3-dimethyl-4-nitrobenzene (1.15 g,5 mmol max)) in glacial acetic acid (20 mL) was added Fe powder (4eq) inone portion. The suspension was stirred rapidly at 80° C. for 24 hours.The mixture was cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure to removethe majority of the acetic acid. The residue was partitioned betweenethyl acetate and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, washed withbrine and dried over sodium sulfate. The organic layer was decanted andconcentrated under reduced pressure to leave a red solid. The resultinganiline, 3-bromo-2,4-dimethylphenylamine, was used without furtherpurification.

Step Three:

To a solution of the 3-bromo-2,4-dimethylphenylamine (0.6 g, 3.0 mmol)in toluene (10 mL) and pyrrolidine (1.25 mL, 15 mmol) was addedsodium-t-butoxide (0.86 g, 9 mmol, 3eq). The suspension was deoxygenatedby passing a stream of N₂ gas through the mixture for approximately 5-10minutes before introducing the tris(dibenzilidene)dipalladium(0)(Pd₂(dba)₃) (27 mg) and rac-2,2′Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′binaphthyl(BINAP) (25 mg). The nitrogen stream continued 10 minutes before heatingat 100° C. overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled, acidified withHCl (2N) and extracted with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer wasadjusted basic and re-extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layerwas dried over sodium sulfate, decanted and concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel,gradient elution with 6:1 to 4:1 hexanes to ethyl acetate) to give thedesired 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-4-amino-m-xylene.

Step Four

The desired′3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4-dimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to Step Two of General Prep V. MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 456.14, found (m/z) 456.11.

Step One:

To a solution of 2-(methoxycarbonyl)thiophene-3-sulphonyl choride (0.5g, 2.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (0.5 M) was added pyridine (0.3 ml) and4-fluoroaniline (0.23 g, 2.0 mmol) The reaction was stirred at roomtemperature for 2 days. The mixture was quenched with 2N HCl (50 mL) andextracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 mL). The organic layer was washedwith water (3×30 mL) and brine (30 mL). The organic layer was dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give thedesired sulfonamide as a red-brown solid.

Step Two:

The sulfonamide of Step One was converted to the correspondingcarboxamide according to Step Two of General Prep V.

The following compounds were prepared according to the procedure ofGeneral Prep VI:

′3-{[(2-Fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation VI. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated(m/z) 488.15; found (m/z) 488.31.

′3-{[(4-Fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation VI. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated(m/z) 488.15; found (m/z) 488.22.

′3-{[(3-Fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation VI. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated(m/z) 488.15; found (m/z) 488.31.

EXAMPLE 200 Preparation of′N-(3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide.

Step One:

In an oven dried flask, 3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylaniline (2.50 g, 11.4mmol) was dissolved in toluene (30 mL). The mixture was cooled to 0° C.in an iced water bath. After addition of trimethylaluminum (5.60 mL,11.22 mmol, 2.0 M in hexane) was complete, the solution was warmed toroom temperature and stirred under N₂ for 15 minutes. Methyl3-amino-2-thiophene carboxylate (0.36 g, 2.3 mmol) was added in oneportion. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under N₂for 45 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was heated to 115° C. for 16hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature andwas quenched with ice. The aqueous phase was adjusted to pH 12 with 0.5N NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate. The resulted organic phase waswashed with saturated NaCl twice and dried over magnesium sulfate. Thesolvent was removed under reduced pressure. The resulting crude productwas purified by column chromatography with hexane/ethyl acetate assolvent. The amide (0.30 g, 39%) was obtained-as a light-yellow solid.

Step Two:

In an oven dried flask, the amide (0.145 g, 0.43 mmol) was dissolved in2 mL of dichloromethane and of pyridine (0.5 mL). After addingbenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.05 mL, 0.39 mmol), the reaction mixture wasstirred at room temperature under N₂ for 16 hours. The mixture wasdiluted with dichloromethane (40 mL), and it was washed with HCl (0.5 N)twice and dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed underreduced pressure, and the resulting crude product was purified bypreparative HPLC (C₁₈). The sulfonylamide,′N-(3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide,(0.098 g) was obtained as an off-white solid (47%). MS (M+H)⁺:calculated (m/z) 479.01; found (m/z) 478.97.

EXAMPLE 201

General Preparation VII Preparation of′N-(3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide

Step One

In an oven dried flask under an atmosphere of nitrogen,3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylaniline (1.70 g, 7.8 mmol) was dissolved intoluene (27 mL) and water (15 mL). To the resulting solution was addedcyclopentylboronic acid (1.20 g, 10.11 mmol)), potassium phosphatetribasic (5.78 g, 27.2 mmol), tricyclohexylphosphine (0.22 g, 0.78mmol), and palladium acetate (0.089 g, 0.39 mmol). The mixture wasdeoxygenated by toggling from vacuum to nitrogen (3×). The reactionmixture was heated to 100° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was then allowedto cool to room temperature and extracted with ethyl acetate. Theorganic phase was washed with saturated NaCl (2×) and dried overmagnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Theresulting crude product was purified by column chromatography withhexane/ethyl acetate as solvent. The amine (1.35 g, 85%) was obtained asa light-brown liquid.

Step Two

The aniline prepared in Step One (1.35 g, 6.64 mmol) was dissolved in oftoluene (22 mL). The mixture was cooled to 0° C. in iced water.Trimethylaluminum (3.32 mL, 6.64 mmol, 2.0 M in hexane) was added, andthe solution was allowed to warm to room temperature while stirringunder N₂ for 30 min. Methyl 3-amino-2-thiophene carboxylate (0.53 g,3.32 mmol)) was added and the mixture was stirred an additional 30minutes. The mixture was heated to 115° C. for 16 hours, cooled to roomtemperature and quenched with ice. The aqueous phase was adjusted to pH12 with NaOH (0.5 N) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The resultingorganic phase was washed with saturated NaCl twice and dried overmagnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Theresulting crude product was purified by column chromatography (silicagel) with hexane/ethyl acetate as solvent. The carboxamide (0.51 g, 47%)was obtained as a light-yellow solid.

Step Three

In an oven dried flask, the amide of Step Two of Preparation VII (0.12g, 0.37 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (1.4 mL )and ofpyridine(0.5 mL). Benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.042 mL, 0.33 mmol) wasadded, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under N₂for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (30 mL),washed with aqueous HCl (0.5 N) (2×) and dried over magnesium sulfate.The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The resulting crudeproduct was purified by HPLC (C₁₈ stationary phase).

The desired′N-(3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide(0.13 g, 75%) was obtained as off-white solid. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated(m/z) 469.16; found (m/z) 469.11.

EXAMPLE 202 Preparation of′N-(3-cyclopropyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide

In an oven dried flask under an atmosphere of nitrogen, trimethylborate(1.69 g, 16.2 mmol) was dissolved in THF (8 mL). The solution was cooledto −78° C., and cyclopropylmagnesium bromide (25 mL, 12.5 mmol, 0.5 M inTHF) was added via syringe. The reaction mixture was is stirred at −78°C. for 1 hour, allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 16hours. The mixture was quenched with HCl (2N, aq, 20 mL) and stirred for1 hour. The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (15 mL). Theorganic phase was washed with water (2×15 mL each). The aqueous phaseswere combined and extracted with t-butyl methyl ether four times (40 mLeach). The ether was dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure. The cyclopropylboronic acid (0.22 g,21%) was obtained as a light-yellow liquid. The desiredN-(3-cyclopropyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamidewas subsequently prepared from the resulting boronic acid according toGeneral Preparation VII. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 441.13, found (m/z)441.20.

EXAMPLE 203

′N-(3-Cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation VII except that4-fluorophenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 487.15; found (m/z) 487.32.

EXAMPLE 204

′N-(3-Cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared according to General Preparation VII except that4-t-butylphenylsulfonyl chloride was used in place of phenylsulfonylchloride. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 525.22; found (m/z) 525.22.

EXAMPLE 205′3-[(Phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl-3-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide

Preparation of 3-Phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline: To a solution of3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylaniline (2.14 g, 10.0 mmol) and phenylboronicacid (1.60 g, 13.1 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was added potassium phosphate,tribasic (6.40 g, 30.1 mmol) and water(10 mL). The solution/suspensionwas deoxygenated by passing a stream of nitrogen gas through thesolution for several minutes. Bis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium (II)chloride (catalytic, 100 mg) was then added to the mixture. Nitrogen gasbubbled through the solution 10 minutes before heating to 90° C. Themixture was heated at temperature overnight. The mixture was thencooled, diluted with ethyl acetate and water and HCl (2N). The organiclayer was then washed with brine and dried over sodium sulfate. Theorganic solution was decanted and concentrated to give a yellow oil.′3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl-3-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared from the resulting biphenyl according to GeneralPreparation I substituting 3-phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline in place of3-pyrrolidinyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline. Upon crystallization fromacetonitrile/water, the desired compound was produced as a white solid.MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 477.13; found (m/z) 477.09.

EXAMPLE 206′N-(2′,6′-Dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl-3-yl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide

To a solution of 3-bromoaniline (0.85 g, 4.9 mmol) and2,6-dimethylphenylboronic acid (0.89 g, 5.9 mmol) in DMF (14 mL) wasadded potassium phosphate, tribasic (2.1 g, 9.9 mmol) and water (5 mL).The solution/suspension was deoxygenated by passing a stream of nitrogengas through the solution for several minutes.Bis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium (II) chloride (0.35 g) was then addedto the mixture. Nitrogen bubbling continued for approximately up to 10minutes longer before introducing the mixture into an oil bath regulatedto 90° C. The mixture was heated at temperature overnight. The mixturewas then cooled and diluted with ethyl acetate and water. The biphasicmixture was treated with dilute, aqueous HCl. The organic layer was thenwashed with brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The organic wasdecanted and concentrated to give the desired biphenyl.′N-(2′,6′-dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl-3-yl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared from the resulting biphenyl according to GeneralPreparation VII substituting the biphenyl in place of the3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z)463.12; found (m/z) 463.06.

EXAMPLE 207′N-(2,2′,4,6,6′-Pentamethyl-1,1′-biphenyl-3-yl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide

Step One:

To a solution of 3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylaniline (1.07 g, 5.0 mmol) and2,6-dimethylphenyl boronic acid (1.5 g, 10 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) wasadded potassium phosphate, tribasic (3.2 g, 15 mmol) and the resultingmixture was deoxygenated by passing a stream of nitrogen forapproximately 10 minutes.2-Dicyclohexylphosphino-2,6-dimethoxy-1,1′biphenyl (0.164 g, 0.4 mmol)and tris(dibenzylidineacetone)dipalladium(0) (92 mg, 0.1 mmol) wereadded together in one portion, and nitrogen bubbling continued forapproximately 2 minutes. The mixture was then heated in an oil bath at110° C. under nitrogen overnight. The mixture was cooled, concentratedand passed through a pad of course silica gel. The resulting residue waspurified on silica using 14:1 to hexanes to ethyl acetate. The residuefrom this operation was then vacuum distilled (Kugelrohr, 100° C.,approximately 1 mtorr) to give the desired biphenyl (155 mg).

Step Two:

′N-(2,2′,4,6,6′-Pentamethyl-1,1′-biphenyl-3-yl)-3-1(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamidewas prepared from the resulting biphenyl according to GeneralPreparation VII substituting the biphenyl in place of the3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylaniline. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z)505.16; found (m/z) 505.06.

EXAMPLE 208′N-[3-(N,N-diethylamino)-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-1(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide

First Step

To a solution of mesitylenesulfonyl chloride (2.0 g, 9.05 mmol) inpyridine (30 mL) was added acetone oxime (0.67 g, 9.05 mmol), and thesolution was stirred under N₂ for 16 hours. It was poured into 500 ml ofwater and stirred for 1 hour. The precipitate was filtered and dried.Acetone O-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylsulfonyl)oxime was obtained as whitepowder (57.6%) yield.

Second Step

To a solution of 3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylaniline (2.0 g, 9.18 mmol) inDMSO (25 mL) was added iodoethane (1.86 mL, 44.9 mmol) and potassiumcarbonate (5.06 g, 36.6 mmol), and the solution was heated to 60° C. for16 hours and cooled to room temperature. The mixture was diluted withethyl acetate (300 mL), washed with saturated NaCl (2×), and dried overmagnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Thecrude product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel) withhexane/ethyl acetate as the mobile phase to give1-(N,N-diethylamine)-3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (4.0 g, 54%). as acolorless liquid.

Third Step

A solution of 1-(N,N-diethylamine)-3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (0.92g, 3.40 mmol) in THF (8 mL) was prepared. One milliliter of thissolution was added to a flask containing magnesium turnings (0.084 g,3.40 mmol), followed by dibromoethane (0.2 mL). The mixture was heatedto 60° C. under N₂ to initiate the Grignard formation. Upon initiationof the Grignard formation, the remainder of the solution of the arylbromide was added slowly. The mixture was heated to 70° C. for 1 hourand allowed to cool to room temperature. A second solution of the oximeof step one (0.69 g, 2.72 mmol) in THF (8 mL) was prepared and added tothe Grignard reaction mixture and was heated at 80° C. for 3 hours. Thereaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, adjusted to pH 4 withHCl (2 N) and stirred for 16 hours. The solution was washed with diethylether once. The aqueous phase was adjusted to pH around 8 with 2 N NaOH,extracted with diethyl ether (3×) and dried over magnesium sulfate. Thesolvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude product waspurified by column chromatography (silica gel) with hexane/ethyl acetateas mobile phase to give 3-(N,N-diethylamino)-2,4,6-trimethylphenylamine(0.060 g, 8.5%) as a yellow liquid.

Fourth Step

To a solution of the 3-(N,N-diethylamino)-2,4,6-trimethylphenylamine(0.060 g, 0.29 mmol) in of toluene (3 mL), cooled to 0° C., was addedtrimethyl aluminum (0.29 mL, 0.58 mmol, 2.0 M in hexane). The solutionwas warmed to room temperature and stirred under N₂ for 30 minutesbefore the addition of methyl 3-amino-2-thiophene carboxylate (0.092 g,0.58 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature underN₂ for I hour, then heated to 115° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixturewas cooled to room temperature and was quenched with ice pieces. Theaqueous phase was adjusted to pH 12 with NaOH (1 N) and extracted withethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with saturated NaCl (2×),dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure.The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel) withhexane/ethyl acetate as mobile phase to give the carboxamide (0.024 g,25%) as a light-yellow solid.

Fifth Step

To a solution of the carboxamide (0.024 g, 0.072 mmol) indichloromethane (1.0 mL) and pyridine (0.3 mL) was added benzenesulfonylchloride (0.018 mL, 0.14 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at roomtemperature under N₂ for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted withdichloromethane, and the organic was washed with HCl (0.5 N ), saturatedNaCl and dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent was filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by reversephase HPLC (C18) to give product (0.005 g) was obtained as a lightyellow solid. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 472.17; found (m/z) 472.10.

EXAMPLE 209′N-(3-Methoxy-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide

Step One

To a solution of 2-bromo-4-nitro-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (2.0 g, 8.19mmol) in methanol (20 mL) and pyridine (1.0 mL) under nitrogen was addedsodium methoxide (6.2 mL, 32.8 mmol, 30% in methanol), and cuprouschloride (1.62 g, 16.4 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 85° C.After 16 hours, it was allowed to cool to room temperature. The solventwas removed under reduced pressure. The residue was extracted with ethylacetate (2×80 mL). The organic phases were combined and washed withsaturated aqueous NaCl (2×) and dried over magnesium sulfate. Thesolvent was removed under reduced pressure to give3-nitro-2,4,6-trimethyl-1-methoxybenzene (0.86 g, 54%) was obtained as alight-yellow liquid.

Step Two

To a solution of the resulting 3-nitro-2,4,6-trimethyl-1-methoxybenzeneof step one (0.86 g, 4.41 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added zinc dust (1.29g, 19.8 mmol) and triethylamine hydrochloride (3.34 g, 24.3 mmol). Themixture was heated to 80° C. for 2 hours and then allowed to cool toroom temperature. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL)and filtered through Celite (filter agent). The resulting liquid waswashed with NaOH (2N, 2×30 mL) and saturated NaCl (2×100 mL). Theorganic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified bycolumn chromatography (silica gel) eluting with hexane/ethyl acetate assolvent. The amine (0.40 g, 55%) was obtained as a yellow liquid.

Step Three

A solution of the resulting aniline (step two) (0.40 g, 2.42 mmol)dissolved in toluene (10 mL) was cooled down to 0° C. in iced waterunder nitrogen atmosphere. The cold solution was treated withtrimethylaluminum (1.2 mL, 2.42 mmol, 2.0 M in hexane) before allowingto warm to room temperature for 30 min. Methyl 3-amino-2-thiophenecarboxylate (0.29 g, 1.82 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirredat room temperature under N₂ for 60 minutes, then 115° C. for 16 hours.The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and wasquenched with ice pieces. The aqueous phase was adjusted to pH 12 withNaOH (0.5 N) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase waswashed with saturated NaCl twice and dried over magnesium sulfate, andthe solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purifiedby column chromatography (silica gel) eluting with hexane/ethyl acetateas solvent. The resulting carboxamide (0.11 g, 15.6%) was obtained as anoff-white solid.

Step Four

To a solution of the carboxamide (Step Three) (0.11 g, 0.38 mmol) indichloromethane (1.4 mL) and pyridine (0.5 mL) was added benzenesulfonylchloride (0.046 mL, 0.36 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at roomtemperature under N₂ for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted withdichloromethane (30 mL), washed with HCl (2×0.5 N) and dried overmagnesium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Theresulting crude product was purified by preparative HPLC (C18 stationaryphase) to give the sulfonylamide (0.109 g, 67%) was obtained aslight-brown solid. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 430.10; found (m/z)431.16.

EXAMPLE 210′3-[Methyl(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide

Step One:

To methyl 2-amino-3-thiophenecarboxylate (2.38 g, 15.2 mmol)dichloromethane (50 ml) in a round bottom flask were added pyridine (1.2g., 15.2 mmol) and benzene sulfonyl chloride (2.68 g, 15.2 mmol), andthe reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. Thereaction mixture was then quenched with a solution of aqueous HCl (2N)and extracted with dichloromethane (2×35 mL). The combined organicextracts were washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodiumbicarbonate (2×20 mL), dried with magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), filtered,and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a brown oil. The oil wasis further purified by flash chromatography (silica gel) using 95-5%hexane/ethyl acetate as the mobile phase to give of the desiredsulfonamide (4.0 g) as a white to brownish solid.

Step Two:

To a solution of the sulfonamide (0.500 g, 1.68 mmol) dissolved inanhydrous DMF (5 mL) in a round bottom flask, were added cesiumcarbonate (0.82 g, 2.52 mmol) and methyl iodide (0.12 mL, 1.8 mmol). Thereaction mixture was stirred at 100° C. under N₂ for 18 hours. Thereaction was then diluted with water and extracted with diethyl ether(2×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with saturated aqueoussolution of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) (2×20 mL). The organic layerswere then dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure to give 0.260 g of the N-methylsulfonamide as a yellowoil. The oil was used without further purification.

Step Three:

To a solution of the 2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylaniline (253 mg.,1.24 mmol) in anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane (10 mL) chilled to 0° C.under N₂, was added a solution of trimethylaluminum in hexanes (2M)(1.22 mL, 2.48 mmol). Upon completion of the addition, the ice bath wasremoved and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at roomtemperature. The sulfonamide of Step Two was dissolved in anhydrous1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL), and the mixture was refluxed under N₂ for 18hours. The reaction mixture was then acidified with hydrochloric acid(2N, 50 mL) and extracted with dichloromethane (2×50 mL). The combinedorganic layers were then washed with a saturated aqueous solution ofsodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) (2×20 mL). The organic extracts were driedwith magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated under reducedpressure to yield a brown solid. The material was further purified bysilica gel chromatography using 95-5% hexane/ethyl acetate as the mobilephase (gradiant) and semi-preparative HPLC to yield 230 mg of′3-[methyl(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamideas a yellow foam. MS (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 484.17; found (m/z)484.22.

′1-(Phenylsulfonyl)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)prolinamideStep 1:

To a solution of d/l-proline (2.0 g, 6.8 mmol) in aqueous sodiumhydroxide (1M, 34.7 mL) chilled at 0° C., was added phenylsulfonylchloride (2.21 mL, 17.0 mmol) slowly. The reaction was stirred overnightat room temperature. The reaction mixture was acidified with HCl (20 ml,aqueous, 1 N) and extracted with diethyl ether (2×20 mL). The combinedorganic extracts were then dried over magnesium sulfate and concentratedunder reduced pressure to give the desired N-phenylsulfonyl proline (1.7g) as a white solid used without any further purification.

Step 2:

To a solution of the N-phenylsulfonyl proline (1.5 g, 5.8 mmol) inanhydrous dichloromethane (20 mL), were added oxalyl chloride (2.0 M indichloromethane, 5.9 mL, 11.8 mmol) and a catalytic amount ofdimethylformamide. The solution was stirred for 1 hour at roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was then condensed and diluted with asaturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (10 mL) and extractedwith dichloromethane (20 ml). The organic layers were dried overmagnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure to yield 1-benzenesulfonyl-pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl chloride (220mg) as a yellow solid used without any further purification.

Step 3:

To a solution of the 2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylaniline (220 mg,1.00 mmol) in of anhydrous dichloromethane (20 mL), were added pyridine(0.100 mL, 1.3 mmol) and 1-benzenesulfonyl-pyrrolidine-2-carbonylchloride (0.297 g, 1.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnightat room temperature. The solution was acidified with HCl (1N, 20 mL) andextracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (10 mL) anddried over magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄). The organic layers were filteredand concentrated under reduced pressure to give a brown solid. Theresidue was further purified by flash chromatography (silica gel) using95-5% hexane/ethyl acetate as the mobile phase (gradient) andsemi-preparative HPLC to give′1-(Phenylsulfonyl)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)prolinamide(157 mg) as an off-white solid. MS m/z (M+H)⁺: calculated (m/z) 442.22,found (m/z) 442.25.

1. A compound of the formula:

wherein: R¹, R², R³ are independently selected from the group consistingof hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, CN, CF₃, arenesulfonyl,C₁₋₆ alkanesulfonyl, alkanecarbonyl, CONR⁷R⁸ and CO₂R⁹; X is NR¹⁹, CH₂or O; Y is selected from the group consisting of SO₂, CO, CH₂SO₂, CH₂CO,NHCO, OCO and NHSO₂; T and W are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H, NR₄R₅, alkyl, cylcoalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aryl andhalogen provided that both T and W may not be hydrogen; R⁴ is selectedfrom the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and heterocyclyl;R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl,aralkyl, arenesulfonyl, C₁₋₆ alkanesulfonyl, alkanecarbonyl, CONR⁷R⁸,CO₂R⁹ and ZNR⁷R⁸ or R⁴ and R⁵ taken together with the N to which theyare attached forms a 4, 5, 6 or 7 membered ring; Z is (CH₂)n where n is0-6; R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of aryl, heterocyclyl andcycloalkyl; R⁷ and R⁸ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and heterocyclyl ortaken together with the N to which they are attached form a pyrrolidine,piperazine, piperidine or morpholine ring; and R⁹ and R¹⁹ areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl and aralkyl; where R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ may beunsubstituted or substituted with at least one electron donating orelectron withdrawing group; and the pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof
 2. A compound as in claim 1 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₃ are eachmethyl or R₁ and R₂ are methyl and R₃ is hydrogen; X is N, Y is SO₂ andR₆ is 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzene.
 3. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier or excipient.
 4. A method of treating conditions associated withUrotensin-II imbalance by antagonizing the Urotensin-II receptor whichcomprises administering to a patient in need thereof, a compound ofFormula I of claim
 1. 5. A method according to claim 4 wherein thedisease is congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease,angina, myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmia, essential and pulmonaryhypertension, renal disease, acute and chronic renal failure, end stagerenal disease, peripheral vascular disease, male erectile dysfunction,diabetic retinopathy, intermittent claudication/ischemic limb disease,ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenicinflammation, migraine, metabolic vasculopathies, bone/cartilage/jointdiseases, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, pulmonaryfibrosis, sepsis, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, addiction,schizophrenia, cognitive disorders, Alzheimers disease, impulsivity,anxiety, stress, depression, Parkinsons, movement disorders, sleep-wakecycle, inventive motivation, pain, neuromuscular function, diabetes,gastric reflux, gastric motility disorders, ulcers and genitourinarydiseases.
 6. A compound of the formula:

wherein: V is selected from the group consisting of aryl, cycloalkyl andheterocyclyl; A and G are independently selected from the groupconsisting of [(CR¹⁸ ₂)]_(m) and (NR¹⁷)_(n) where m is an integer from0-3 and m is an integer from 0-1; B is selected from the groupconsisting of of SO₂, CO, SO and C(R¹⁸)₂; and R¹⁴, R¹⁷, and each R¹⁸ areindependently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl,cycloalkyl, heterocyclylalky, and aryl where V, R¹⁴, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ may beunsubstituted or substituted with at least one electron donating orelectron withdrawing group.
 7. A compound of claim 6 wherein V isselected from the group consisting of thiophene, pyrrole, furan,pyrrolidine, proine, benzene, pyridine, pyrazole, pyrazine,cyclopentane, cyclohexane and cyclobutane; R¹⁴ is aryl; when A is(NR¹⁷)_(n), where n is 1, B is SO₂ and G is [C(R¹⁸)₂]_(m) where m is Oor when A is [C(R¹⁸)₂]_(m) where m is O and G is (NR¹⁷)_(n), n is 1 andB is SO₂.
 8. A compound of the formula:

wherein: E is selected from the group consisting of NR¹¹, O, S, C═C andC═N where R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl,hydroxyl, alkoxy and CON(R¹²)₂; each R¹⁵ is independently selected fromthe group consisting of aryl, alkyl, heteroalkyl, halogen, hydroxyl,alkoxy and N(R¹²)₂; n is an integer from 0-4; each R¹² is selected fromthe group consisting of aryl, alkyl, cycloalkyl and heterocyclyl; eitherM or Q is A-B-G-R¹⁴, and the other has the structure

where T is selected from the group consisting of cyclopentyl,pyrrolidinyl, morpholino, piperidinyl, cyclobutyl, dialkylamino andazetidinyl; W is hydrogen; X is NR¹⁹, CH₂ or O; Y is selected from thegroup consisting of SO₂, CO, CH₂SO₂, CH₂CO, NHCO, OCO and NHSO₂; A and Gare independently (NR¹⁷)_(n) where n is an integer from 0-1; B isselected from the group consisting of SO₂, CO, SO and C(R¹⁸)₂; R¹⁴, R¹⁷,and each R¹⁸ are independently selected from the group consisting of H,alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclylalky and aryl; R¹, R² and R³ are allalkyl; R¹⁹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl and aralkyl where T, R¹, R², R³, R¹¹, R¹², R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁷,R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ may be unsubstituted or substituted with at least oneelectron donating or electron withdrawing group.
 9. A compound of claim8 wherein T is selected from the group consisting of cyclopentyl,pyrrolidinyl, morpholino, piperidinyl, cyclobutyl and dialkylamino; W ishydrogen; X is NH; Y is CO; when A is (NR¹⁷)_(n), where n is 1, B is SO₂and G is [C(R¹⁸)₂]_(n) where m is O or when A is [C(R¹⁸)₂]_(m) where mis O, G is (NR¹⁷)_(n) where n is 1 and B is SO₂; R¹⁴, R¹⁷, and each R¹⁸are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl,cycloalkyl, heterocyclylalky and aryl; R¹, R², R³ are all alkyl; and T,R¹¹, R¹², R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R¹⁶, R¹⁸ may be unsubstituted or substituted with atleast one electron donating or electron withdrawing group.
 10. Acompound of claim 1 selected from the group of3-(anilinosulfonyl)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-morpholin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl-3-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(2-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-methyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-piperidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;′2-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)benzamide;3-{[(3-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-({[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(2-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-({[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-({[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(3-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-({[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]sulfonyl}amino)-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;N-(3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamide;3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(2-bromophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;′N-[3-(N,N-diethylamino)-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(3,5-difluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(3-fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;4-[(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamide;3-{[(3,4-difluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;3-{[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide;N-(3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}thiophene-2-carboxamide;N-(3-cyclopentyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-{[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}thiophene-2-carboxamide;and3-{[(2-fluorophenyl)amino]sulfonyl}-N-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-pyrrolidin-1-ylphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide.11. A method of treating conditions associated with CCR-9 imbalance byantagonizing the CCR-9 receptor which comprises administering to apatient in need thereof a compound of claim
 6. 12. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of claim 6 and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or excipient.